EU countries express concern over US decision on Iran oil sanctions waivers

Britain, France, Germany and the European Union say they are concerned about the Trump administration's decision not to renew exemptions allowing five Asian countries to import oil from Iran. The expiration of the wavers Friday could further hit Iran's already ailing economy and harden Tehran's stance on its nuclear program.

In a joint statement Saturday, the three European countries' foreign ministers and the EU's top diplomat said they "take note with regret and concern of the decision by the United States not to extend waivers with regards to trade in oil with Iran." They also expressed concern that the U.S. renewed only five of seven sanctions waivers allowing Russia and European nations to conduct civilian nuclear cooperation with Iran. U.N. inspectors say Tehran is abiding by the 2015 nuclear accord.

(With inputs from agencies.)