US begins to dismantle Iran nuclear deal sanctions relief

WASHINGTON – The Trump administration is moving to dismantle the sanctions relief that was granted to Iran under the 2015 nuclear deal from which President Donald Trump has withdrawn.

The Treasury Department on Wednesday revoked licenses that allowed U.S.-controlled foreign firms to export commercial aircraft parts to Iran as well as permit Americans to trade in Iranian carpets, pistachios and caviar. It said businesses engaged in any such transactions have to wind down those operations by August 6 or face penalties under U.S. sanctions.

The notices had been expected since Trump in March pulled the U.S. out of the landmark agreement under which Iran was given relief from sanctions in return for curbs on its nuclear program. Another set of licenses are to be revoked in November.