TOKYO – The latest round of economic sanctions imposed on the Islamic Republic of Iran, intended to put pressure on the regime in Tehran, may be putting just as much pressure on America's key Asian allies, Japan and South Korea, both of whom are dependent on the Middle East for the vast bulk of their petroleum imports.
In the past, under pressure from Washington, Tokyo and Seoul have reluctantly fallen in line and cut back on doing business with Iran. Just a little more than a year ago, Japan ended its last major investment in Iran. Now, Washington is back with more demands, and both countries are balking.
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