Iraq seeks US waiver as leader decries ‘cruel’ Iran sanctions

Iraqi officials plan to ask Washington for waivers on Iran sanctions which could hit crucial supplies, with one political leader pledging that Baghdad will never accept the “cruel” measures.

Iran is a source of assorted goods ranging from food and agricultural products to home appliances and spare car parts to the neighboring Arab nation, with annual trade standing at more than $12 billion.

The first batch of US sanctions which came into affect early this month target Iran's trade in US dollars, gold and other precious metals as well as its automotive sector, with the second wave due in November set to hit its energy and shipping sectors.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has said his government would only respect the dollar ban in transactions with Iran.

Asked earlier this month if Baghdad would stop imports of commodities, appliances and equipment by government companies from Iran, he said, “We honestly have not made any decision regarding this issue until now.”

On Tuesday, Iraqi government and central bank officials were quoted as saying that the country was sending a delegation to Washington to ask for exemptions in applying the sanctions.

"The government plans to ask Washington for a waiver. It's going to happen soon," Reuters quoted one unnamed central bank official as saying.

SS