The US Senate passed legislation on 30 November that expanded sanctions on global trade with both Iran’s energy and shipping sectors. Specifically, the measures will restrict trade with Iran in commodities including graphite, precious metals, metallurgical coal, aluminum, steel and any software used in the integration of industrial processes.

This new bill keeps in place all existing exemptions for countries that have so far made marked cuts to their imports of Iranian oil, and would represent the third round of measures imposed on Iran this year if they become law. (CONTINUED - 665 WORDS)