Japan reportedly seeking exemption from U.S. sanctions on Iran

Well, it looks like Japan and China have something in common after all. Perhaps they should build on these shared interests as a way of settling other differences. Of course, this would go against US interests. So....

Good. Free-trade is the way to go. All forms of economic sanctions and embargoes are precursors to war. There is no reason why one countries foreign policy to influence the trad policy of 2 or more foreign countries with one another.

If the US can not even give an assurance of support to Japan when it comes to those disputed islands, why should Japan be concern on Iran's trade embargo, when in the first place it is Israel problem. Japan should stand up and move away from being a lackey of America. If America want to be manipulated by Israel let him be, it is not our damn busineess.

If the US can not even give an assurance of support to Japan when it comes to those disputed islands, why should Japan be concern on Iran's trade embargo

Well, that is the question, isn't it? It has to do with petro-dollars and the global central banking system which would make it difficult for Japan to buy oil and do business with the "developed" world were they to run afoul of the US in this matter.

There are some who speculate that Iran's nuclear program is a cover concern and that the real cause for angst by the Americans is that Iran will sell its oil in currencies other than the USD and for gold and that they are not part of the central banking system. Gaddafi from Libya had proposed a gold-backed currency for Africa and for the sale of oil, effectively dumping the USD for oil transactions, and that's why he was taken out after seemingly making amends for his deeds of the past. Libya was also not part of the central banking system, however, one of the first things set up after the death of Gaddafi was a Libyan central bank tied to the global system.

But that's just speculation.

Of course, there is also the matter of the somewhat paternal relationship America has with Japan. The child has to ask the parent for permission.

Nippon_BanzaiOct. 31, 2012 - 12:30PM JST

If the US can not even give an assurance of support to Japan when it comes to those disputed islands, why should Japan be concern on Iran's trade embargo,

If you didn't know (and apparently don't), the sanctions affect all banks with ties to iranian oil. Those banks also let companies like Toyota do business in USA (biggest profit sector), and basically keep the country from collapsing in on itself. Japan CANNOT be in violation of sactions or it could lose trillions of yen a month.

I do hope that Japan gets a good scare with oil prices jumping for a bit, they might start to realize that their stupidity when it comes to nuclear power is going to be the end of them.

Another one? hmmm.

I don't see why Japan has to "seek exemption" from US imposed oil sanctions on Iran.

Does this mean that Japan is not an independent nation and is only a US satellite after all?

Does this mean that Japan is not an independent nation and is only a US satellite after all?

We all know Japan isn't independent. You should be more worried about the fact that Japan's potential contribution to the sanctions is so negligible that Uncle Sam doesn't care if we participate or not.

Yes, NeoJamal-san,

You have a point there.

Does this mean that Japan is not an independent nation and is only a US satellite after all?

Yes.

Thomas Anderson,

As I thought.

(Sigh.)

I think they should just rename the planet 'America'... they control the rest of us one way or another anyway.

The USA should not pressure Japan on oil from Iran!!

Thunderbird2,

I think they should just rename the planet 'America'... they control the rest of us one way or another anyway.

I see.

So my address in Japanese would be:

America,

Asia Prefecture,

Japan Minami-ku,

Okinawa 5 Chome,

etc.

Gosh!

If the US can not even give an assurance of support to Japan when it comes to those disputed islands, why should Japan be concern on Iran's trade embargo

Meanwhile in another article....

If Japan can not even give assurance of support to the US when it comes to international sanctions against Iran, why would the US be concerned on those disputed islands

Heck, the U.S. should seek exemptions from Japanese sanctions on U.S. beef, rice, Cap'n Crunch, Trix, Lucky Charms...

Because Japanese rice and beef taste much better :) When we need energy, we still have to comply to other country's embargo plan at our own costs?! What's the reason and justice in this world?! Being bullied and cannot say it in the questionnaire?

Economic sanctions are in place against Iran to deter them from acquiring Nuclear capabilities. Considering that Iran has been threatening to anniliate Israel and has supported terrorism beyond its borders it is in the best interest of many nations to stop Iran. Now if the Government of Japan actually had anyone with a Brain and Common Sense.... they would be side by side in the decision making process but the Govt of Japan is inept at best. If you disagree with me then show me any instance in the last 20 years where they have proven otherwise. Iran sanctions are about Cooperating to achieve a common goal. The USA has cooperated all to often in trying to keep North Korea at bay while Japan could have taken the lead. Many comment about the USA supporting Japan on the Island dispute or lack thereof. If a diplomatic solution is to be kept on the Table then it is best that USA stays on the sidlines for now and let China and Japan work it out.

Other importers of Iranian oil besides Japan are also likely to voice their opposition to the proposed new sanctions.

US is coordinating a world economic sanctions against Iran. Japan has been well informed about this in advance , and Gemba has been preparing to shift oil import strategy to Saudi. What happened to that? Negotiation with Saudi already failed?

US is coordinating a world economic sanctions against Iran

The US is coordinating nothing. It is demanding that allies go along lest they face essential economic sanctions themselves. The force is strong with the USD...for now.

taro67Nov. 01, 2012 - 07:51AM JST

US is coordinating a world economic sanctions against Iran

The US is coordinating nothing.

It is very interesting to learn how the situation has been interpreted differently from the other side of globe.

It is very interesting to learn how the situation has been interpreted differently from the other side of globe.

Indeed. The rest of the world is always aware of how the US sees things but it is rare that the US pays attention to how the rest of the world sees the same things.

taro, what had happened to the plan buying oil from Saudi? Discarded? Failed?

Even so iran's currency is in a state of inflation and a continued deteriorating economy over weapons of mass destruction.

taro, what had happened to the plan buying oil from Saudi? Discarded? Failed?

Japan buys about 1/2 of its oil from Saudi Arabia. It has always bought Saudi oil. The issue is Iranian oil which Japan has continued to buy despite the US sanctions (earlier exemptions), though down considerably over the past year.

Japan should make her own decision for the good of Japan, why must get permission from uncle sam ! Iran is not against Japan anyway.......

Japan should make her own decision for the good of Japan

As a sovereign nation, it should. Unfortunately, the elephant in every room is America and its own special interests.

The U.S.A. is miffy because Iran wants people to pay for its oil in its own currency.

They wouldn't feel so bad if Iran insisted that other countries used Dollars.

Then they could make a profit on the deal.

That's all it has to do with.

China and India will never bow to US pressure and can the USA assure Japan cheap fuel from???????

Elbuda-san,

Well, the U.S.A. can always get the world angry enough about Iran to excuse them "liberating" the country.

taro67Nov. 01, 2012 - 12:04PM JST

taro, what had happened to the plan buying oil from Saudi? Discarded? Failed?

Japan buys about 1/2 of its oil from Saudi Arabia. It has always bought Saudi oil. The issue is Iranian oil which Japan has continued to buy despite the US sanctions (earlier exemptions), though down considerably over the past year.

Taro, would you please tell me the reason why Japan is still requesting another exemption?