
WASHINGTON/DUBAI -- The U.S. will end its sanctions exemptions granted to certain oil importers to enforce a total ban on Iranian crude, the White House said Monday, amplifying the American pressure campaign against Tehran and immediately sending petroleum prices higher.
The end of waivers affects eight importers that had been granted a 180-day reprieve when the U.S. reimposed sanctions on Iranian crude oil in November. The importers include Japan, China, South Korea, Taiwan and India, along with Italy, Greece and Turkey.