Bern recommends firms pursue Iran ties despite US sanctions

The Swiss government regrets the “deteriorating” situation regarding sanctions imposed by the United States on Iran, but recommends Swiss firms pursue their business relations with the Islamic Republic on an informed basis, it said on Thursday.  Companies doing business with Iran will be barred from the United States, President Donald Trump said on Tuesday, as new US sanctions targeting dollars, metals trading, coal, industrial software and its auto sector took effect despite pleas from Washington’s allies.  + Swiss expect limited impact from US-Iran sanctions + Swiss firms pushed to put Tehran dreams on hold The move follows Washington reneging on a 2015 deal to lift sanctions in return for curbs on Iran’s nuclear programme.  European countries, hoping to persuade Tehran to continue to respect the deal, have promised to try to lessen the blow of sanctions and to urge their firms not to pull out. But that has proved difficult: European companies have quit Iran, arguing that ...