Iran Threatens Oil Cuts to More EU Countries RIA Novosti, PUBLISHED February 21, 2012 Iran has threatened to stop exporting oil to more European countries - Germany, Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal and the Netherlands - if they continue to take actions directed against Tehran, Al Arabiya reported on Monday. “Certainly if the hostile actions of some European countries continue, the export of oil to these countries will be cut,” Deputy Oil Minister Ahmad Qalebani said. Iran halted oil exports to France and the UK on Sunday. National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) earlier sent letters to a number of European oil refining concerns, Iranian news agency Mehr said earlier. The letters were “an ultimatum” to either sign long-term contracts (for a period of two to five years) or be deprived of supplies. Mehr did not specify which companies received the letter. Foreign ministers and leaders of 27 EU countries approved a boycott on oil supplies from Iran at a meeting in Brussels on January 23. They have agreed to end all oil imports from Iran by July 1. Greece, Italy and Spain are the European countries most dependent on oil imported from Iran. Qalebani warned in January that the EU embargo would push up oil prices to 150 dollars per barrel. U.S. and Western powers fear Iran wants to make nuclear weapons, something Iran has always denied. Other news: IAEA Delegation Arrives in Iran to Discuss Nuclear Program The IAEA delegation is led by Herman Nackaerts who is in charge of the Iran nuclear file. Prokhorov Suggests Moving Skolkovo to Kaliningrad In my view, the hi-tech hub should not be constructed in Moscow. I suggest moving Skolkovo to Kaliningrad. Rosatom Managers Sacked, Fined over Corporate Party According to the Dozhd TV channel, the corporation paid 12.5 million rubles (about $400,000) for the New Year’s bash. |
Hero of the day Iran views of its nuclear issue It is difficult to say what will happen next, especially since the international community is split into two opposing camps on this issue. This article will analyze both of them, also taking into account the situation in Tehran. INTERVIEW
Georgy Toshinsky OPINION
Konstantin Bogdanov |