Germany to Curb Trade With Iran on Criticism

Germany took measures to curb trade with Iran because of criticism from partners including the U.S. and Israel, Handelsblatt reported. Chancellor Angela Merkel asked Economy Minister Michael Glos to cease issuing guarantees for companies’ transactions with Iranian clients, the newspaper said, citing unidentified people close to industry and government. Exceptions will be made for “small” deals, Handelsblatt said. Germany, where exports to Iran rose last year, is trying to aid an eventual offer of talks between new U.S. President Barack Obama’s administration and the government of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the newspaper said without being more specific.

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