The Latest from Iran (22 August): Kim Jong Un is Coming to Tehran! (Or Not).
Wednesday, August 22, 2012 at 10:12See also Iran Feature: The Week in Civil Society --- Political Prisoners, Israel Loves Iran, and Looking Too Much Like Ahmadinejad
The Latest from Iran (21 August): All Hail the Supreme Leader
2027 GMT: Oil Watch. Iran's two biggest oil buyers, China and India, sharply cut imports in July.
Beijing's purchases fell nearly a third in July from an 11-month high in June, while shipments by India, declined more than 40%.
The Indian cutback is probably linked to difficulties in insurance cover for Iranian tankers, following the European Union's imposition of sanctions on 1 July. This month Indian refiners have confirmed the first shipments from Iran, to begin in September, using Iranian cover.
The Chinese drop may be tied to a six-month US waiver from sanctions, issued on 28 June, for Beijing's reduced shipments in early 2012. A continued bounce-back in purchases might have jeopardised renewal of the waiver.