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AP Analysis: Europe Squeezed in Iran-US Nuclear Deal Dispute

Associated Press

   TEHRAN, IRAN - When it comes to saving Iran's nuclear deal, Europe
   finds itself in the impossible situation of trying to salvage an accord
   unraveling because of the maximalist U.S. sanctions campaign.

   Since President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew America from the
   accord over a year ago, a slow fuse has burned through Iran. At first,
   it appeared Iranian officials thought they might be able to wait out
   Trump. They spoke about "strategic patience" as the U.S. 2020
   presidential election loomed.

   That talk faded as U.S. sanctions choked off Iran's vital crude oil
   sales abroad and then began targeting its paramilitary Revolutionary
   Guard and officials including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
   Soon, the talk changed to "strategic action" and making threats to the
   Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil supply point.