In May 2018, US President Trump announced the unilateral US withdrawal from the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) re. the Iranian nuclear programme. Consequently, the USA are planning to re-instate sanctions on Iran that had been lifted as part of the JCPOA implementation. These sanctions will have extraterritorial effect making it illegal under US law for EU companies and individuals to engage in a wide range of Iran-related transactions and activities. The potentially affected trade volume between the EU and Iran is estimated at € 20bn p.a. with significant growth rates (although from a fairly low basis). Third Country sanctions are not enforceable in the EU. In addition, the Commission has adopted a Delegated Regulation to block the extra-territorial application of these sanctions to EU national subjects within the sovereignty of the EU Member States. This Regulation, established with direct force of law in the Member States, will prohibit compliance with the above sanctions. Apart from reporting duties, violations may trigger penalties and compensation claims.

Im Mai 2018 kündigte US-Präsident Trump den einseitigen Rückzug der USA aus dem „Nuklearabkommen“ (JCPOA) mit d...