U.S. to loosen sanctions on Iran for mobile phones, gadgets
Source: Reuters
U.S. to loosen sanctions on Iran for mobile phones, gadgets
WASHINGTON | Thu May 30, 2013 2:03pm EDT
(Reuters) - The United States was set to relax sanctions on Iran on Thursday to allow American companies to sell mobile phones, software and other technology used for personal communications to Iranians, two U.S. officials said.
The move, expected later on Thursday, will allow Iranians to get access to the latest Apple phones and newest software that have only been available on Tehran's black market since sanctions were first imposed in 1992.
The U.S. has ramped up tough measures against Iran in recent years to slow development of the Islamic Republic's disputed nuclear program, blacklisting a wide range of Iranian companies and government officials.
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The easing of sanctions on technology may be an attempt by the U.S. government to develop goodwill with Iranian citizens before the Iranian national elections next month.
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http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/05/30/us-usa-iran-sanctions-phone-idUSBRE94T0WF20130530