Report calls for gasoline embargo on Iran via the United Arab Emirates
Monday, September 21, 2009 E-Mail this story Free Headline Alerts
WASHINGTON — The United States has been urged to work with the United Arab Emirates to reduce gasoline exports to Iran.
A report by the Bipartisan Policy Center recommended that the administration of President Barack Obama launch efforts to impose a gasoline embargo on the Teheran regime.
The report said a key target must be the UAE, a leading supplier of gasoline and other products to Iran.
"The administration might insist that the United Arab Emirates reduce its export of gasoline to Iran in exchange for U.S. cooperation on the United Arab Emirates' nuclear program," the report said.
The UAE has launched a $20 billion nuclear project based on the construction of several reactors over the next decade. In mid-2009, Obama approved an agreement for U.S. nuclear cooperation with Abu Dhabi.
The report also urged the White House to block any Iranian purchase of gasoline through Israel. The center said Israel, despite identifying Iran as a leading threat, could be playing a role in the supply of fuel to the Teheran regime.
"The White House should in any case insist that Israel use its leverage over companies that lease crude oil or petroleum product storage sites within the country, or that supply it with gasoline and other products, if those same companies are also identified as suppliers to Iran," the report said.