Iran Courts Japanese Oil Buyers Under US Waiver

Reuters-syndicated reports said at 15:09 IDT that Iran has begun talks to sell oil to Japanese companies, while prospective buyers are seeking a longer U.S. sanctions waiver and guarantees for safe Gulf shipping. The official OFAC release confirms General License X authorizes production, delivery and sale of Iranian-origin crude oil, petrochemical products and petroleum products through August 21. The reports say China has been Iran's main oil buyer since Japan, South Korea, India and Europe stopped purchases after 2018 sanctions tightened. For Israel, any cash flow to Tehran must be judged against nuclear inspections, Hormuz freedom and a halt to proxy rearmament.