Mnuchin Says the U.S. and Europe Agree on Certain Issues Regarding Iran

The U.S. Treasury Secretary emphasized that while there are some differences between his country and Europe regarding Iran, there is a common approach among allies on both sides of the Atlantic concerning certain actions by Tehran. Steve Mnuchin, speaking at a gathering of G20 economic ministers in Buenos Aires, Argentina, stated that Washington and the European Union do not agree on 'all aspects' of the nuclear deal with Tehran. However, he stressed that both sides share a common view that Iran should never acquire nuclear weapons and should not be allowed to promote 'terrorism' in the West Asian region. Tehran has consistently emphasized that it is not seeking to build nuclear weapons. Iranian officials do not hide their support for groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon and other militias, which are listed as 'terrorist' organizations in several countries, but refer to these groups as 'resistance.' Tehran also labels some of the U.S. allies in the region as 'supporters of terrorism.' The U.S. has placed Tehran at the top of its list of state sponsors of terrorism for years. Washington and its European allies have repeatedly criticized Iran's actions in the Middle East and its missile program development. The Trump administration withdrew from the nuclear agreement made during the previous administration involving France, Britain, Russia, China, Germany, and Iran last spring. One of Trump's criticisms of the nuclear deal was that it did not prevent the 'destabilizing' actions of the Islamic Republic in the region. On Saturday, the U.S. Treasury Secretary also mentioned on his Twitter account, without providing details, that he had discussions with the South Korean Deputy Prime Minister regarding Iran, North Korea, and trade, describing the talks as 'constructive.' The U.S. is attempting to dissuade Iranian oil customers from buying oil from the country as part of its efforts to reinstate sanctions against Tehran. Mnuchin stated last week that Washington would consider granting exemptions from Iranian oil sanctions to certain countries. According to the U.S. Treasury Secretary, such exemptions would be aimed at preventing disruptions in global oil markets. China and India, along with South Korea and Japan in East Asia, are major buyers of Iranian oil.