Asian powers’ thirst for oil threatens to scupper US efforts to isolate Iran

US efforts to isolate Iran over its nuclear ambitions are colliding with the energy concerns of Asia’s economic powers, testing Washington’s ability to form a diplomatic coalition and its influence on oil and gas markets.
Officials tell the FT that the US is looking at “creative” ways of addressing the energy worries of China, Japan and India – major buyers of Iranian oil.
The US is searching for a viable energy framework that would persuade such thirsty customers to halt planned investments in Iran’s energy sector or even contemplate the shock of a sudden break in oil exports.
Officials and analysts are sceptical it can be done and, so far, US moves seem to be having the opposite effect.

Financial Express bd