World

Saudi Arabia welcomes US move to end all Iran sanction waivers

'Step is necessary to force Iran to end its policy of destabilisation and support for sponsorship of terrorism'

Reuters April 23, 2019

'Step is necessary to force Iran to end its policy of destabilisation and support for sponsorship of terrorism'. PHOTO: REUTERS

Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister on Tuesday welcomed a US decision to end all Iran sanction waivers by May, saying it was a necessary step to halt Tehran’s 'destabilising' policy in the region.

“Saudi Arabia fully supports this step taken by the United States as it is necessary to force the Iranian regime to end its policy of destabilising stability and its support and sponsorship of terrorism around the world,” Ibrahim al-Assaf said in comments carried on state media.

He reiterated a statement issued by the kingdom’s energy minister on Monday that the world’s largest oil exporter would coordinate with other oil producers to ensure an adequate crude supply and balanced markets after Washington’s announcement.

President Donald Trump said Monday that Saudi Arabia will help to make up easily for any shortfalls in oil supply after he ordered a tightening of sanctions on Iran’s oil exports.

“Saudi Arabia and others in OPEC will more than make up the Oil Flow difference in our now Full Sanctions on Iranian Oil,” Trump said in a tweet.

Saudi Arabia and others in OPEC will more than make up the Oil Flow difference in our now Full Sanctions on Iranian Oil. Iran is being given VERY BAD advice by @JohnKerry and people who helped him lead the U.S. into the very bad Iran Nuclear Deal. Big violation of Logan Act?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 22, 2019

Trump says Saudi Arabia will 'make up' for oil supply after new Iran sanctions

Earlier, the White House announced it was tightening the sanctions to try to cripple the industry crucial to Iran’s economy.

Trump has taken a hard line on Iran, which is in confrontation both with Saudi Arabia and the chief US ally in the region, Israel.
The White House said its intention is to “bring Iran’s oil exports to zero” with its latest move.

Trump last year withdrew the United States from a multilateral 2015 accord negotiated by his predecessor, Barack Obama, under which Iran drastically scaled back its nuclear program in return for promises of sanctions relief.

With additional input from AFP