Trump is trying to kill a carbon tax on global shipping. He may not succeed.
The U.S. has threatened countries supporting the tax with visa restrictions, tariffs, and port fees. A slim majority of nations still back it.
In an op-ed for Roll Call, Center Program Director Richard Nephew and Elizabeth Rosenberg of the Center for a New American Security argue that it is far preferable to conclude a deal with Iran that addresses enrichment concerns via direct diplomacy and that a move to sanctions measures could compromise any chance to resolve the nuclear issue peacefully. However, they note that since sanctions may be necessary if a deal is not reached, it is prudent for Congress and the Administration to initiate contingency planning on an effective strategy and legal authorities to respond in the event that Iran cannot conclude a deal or cheats after it is agreed.
The White House declared last week that President Trump finally "broke OPEC" after the United Arab Emirates withdrew from the cartel.
The US blockade of tankers serving Iran's oil exports is intended to cut Iranian oil exports to near-zero.