Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — The United States, in wake of Iranian presidential
elections, has eased export restrictions on Teheran.

The administration of President Barack Obama has expanded the list of
export goods to Iran that would not require special approval. Officials said
the move was meant to enable U.S. shipments of medical devices to the
Teheran regime.

“Safeguarding humanitarian trade is an important element of our policy [towards Iran],” Treasury Undersecretary David Cohen said.

In a statement on July 25, Cohen, responsible for financial intelligence, said the latest measure would enable rapid U.S. exports of medical devices.

The equipment was meant to include electrocardiograph and dialysis machines.

Officials said the administration has also eased restrictions on U.S. exports of pharmaceuticals to Iran. They said the move was meant to demonstrate U.S. concern for the humanitarian needs of Iran, deemed by Washington as the biggest sponsor of terrorism in the world.

“We will continue to apply powerful pressure on Iran while taking steps to ensure that we do not impact the humanitarian needs of the Iranian population,” Cohen said.

The measures were announced in wake of an appeal by more than 120
members of Congress for Obama to engage with Teheran. The lawmakers argued
that the election of Hassan Rowhani could present an opportunity for
Washington to resolve the nuclear crisis with Teheran.

“So, the point of our bi-partisan letter to the president is to
encourage him and other negotiators to test that proposition to see what the
possibilities might be for some kind of diplomatic breakthrough here,” Rep.
David Price, a co-author of the letter, said.

Officials said the administration was also encouraging American and
other suppliers to export pharmaceutical and medical products to Iran. They
said Treasury revised guidelines that would prevent these
suppliers from coming under U.S. sanctions.

“We expect that today’s actions will ease lingering concern about the
export to Iran of medicine and medical equipment,” Cohen said.

  David Cohen, Hassan Rowhani, U.S. eases sanctions on Iran in consideration of ‘humanitarian needs’