Brazil Refuses to Refuel Iranian Ships because of US Sanctions

Bolsonaro says that Brazil is aligned with the US

Brasília

President Jair Bolsonaro said on Sunday (21) that Brazil supports the United States policy of economic sanctions against Iran.

On Friday (19), Petrobras confirmed that it did not provide fuel to Iranian ships loaded with corn in Port Paranaguá (PR).

According to the president, who said he had not talked about the matter with the United States, the federal government warned Brazilian companies about embargoes imposed on Iran.

Iranian ships - Getty Images/BBC Brasil

"You know we're aligned with their policy, so we do what you have to do," he said.

The embargo aims to hit the Iranian oil sector, which has hampered the refueling of ships, with Petrobras refusing to sell fuel for fear of reprisals by violating US rules.

Iranians are Brazil's largest corn importers and are also among the top buyers of soybeans and beef. Although food is not the focus of US sanctions, the case raises concerns about agribusiness exports to the Persian country.

Translated by Kiratiana Freelon

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