Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that the U.S. had not ceased its maximum pressure against Iran, including restrictions on the sale of Iranian oil. However, he indicated a possible easing in enforcement for the benefit of the country's rebuilding.

"They will need money to get that country back in shape." When asked at a NATO Summit press conference if he would ease oil sanctions against Iran, Trump replied: "We want to see it happen." Trump had said earlier that China could continue to buy Iranian oil following the ceasefire between Israel and Iran. However, the White House clarified later that his remarks did not indicate an easing of U.S. sanction.

Trump has imposed a wave of Iran-related restrictions on China's "teapots" and port terminal operators who have purchased Iranian oil. Reporting by Jeff Mason and Jarrett Renshaw, Editing by Chizu nomiyama

(source: Reuters)