From Merz’s conservatives to Alternative for Germany and the Left, condemnation cut across the Bundestag’s political spectrum.
Archiv: Sanktionen / sanctions
Israel/OPT: Siege of Palestinian homes in Qusra marks relentless escalation in state-backed settler violence
(August 14, 2026)
“The three families under siege have been threatened, harassed and attacked by Israeli settlers from nearby outposts for several months. They have been confined to their homes since Sunday 9 August, are running out of food, and lack access to basic necessities, including running water. The homes targeted in these attacks are located in Area B of the West Bank, supposedly under Palestinian administrative control and Israeli military control, according to the classification of the Oslo Accords. Yet Palestinian Red Crescent ambulances trying to deliver food and water to the homes were also attacked by settlers. Despite these violent attacks, Israeli forces allowed the settlers to remain close proximity to the Palestinian families’ homes.
“For far too long, the world has ignored the immense, unfathomable suffering of Palestinians being uprooted and erased from land they have inhabited for generations. The international community must stop treating such incidents as ‘isolated’ and instead hold Israel accountable.”
US to use military, economic, diplomatic tools to end Iran war: Vance
Asked about the setbacks in negotiations with Iran, Vance cited two factors: “Number one, the Iranians are extraordinarily difficult people. Number two, they have a fractured system.”
“There are people within their system that want the war to be over and there are also people in their system that are crazy radicals who want the war to continue,” he said.
“Our job is to navigate through that and get the best outcome for the American people and for the President of the United States as well.”
Die USA wollen Kuba aushungern
Wenn GECOMEX keine derartigen Maschinen und Ausrüstung importieren kann, sind seine Tochtergesellschaften nicht in der Lage, Agrarrohstoffe wie Weizen und Bohnen effizient zu verarbeiten. Dies führt wiederum dazu, dass weniger Grundnahrungsmittel ihren Weg in die kubanischen Haushalte finden.
Die Sanktionen gegen den Hafenbetreiber GEMAR sind noch gravierender: Sie verursachen Compliance-Risiken für jedes Schifffahrtsunternehmen, das Liegegebühren in Kuba zahlt. Mehr als 7.000 Container mit Bestimmungsort Havanna sind daher aktuell in der Karibik gestrandet, nachdem Unternehmen wie Hapag-Lloyd und CMA CGM aufgrund der rechtlichen Unsicherheit ihre Aktivitäten in Kuba vorerst eingestellt haben.
After Blocking Fuel, the US Turns to Cuba’s Food Supply
In July, the US State Department announced a round of broad economic sanctions against Cuba targeting industries that have historically been spared, limiting the Cuban government’s ability to purchase agricultural commodities and food processing equipment from third countries by singling out Cuba’s state importer (GECOMEX) and port operator (GEMAR).
This is happening in the context of America’s monthslong oil blockade against Cuba, which has already immiserated the general population by impeding basic sanitation and food safety and has killed scores of patients in Cuban hospitals. A US congressional delegation that visited in early July described the situation on the ground as a “silent Gaza.”
U.S. sanctions against Cuba are endangering lives and must be lifted
(June 8, 2026)
The U.S. declaration of a national emergency in January disrupted fuel shipments to Cuba, severely reducing the country‘s fuel reserves by mid-May. This depletion has led to daily blackouts that now frequently exceed 20 hours. Additional sanctions were imposed in May, including some with extraterritorial effect on private entities, such as traders, insurers, tourism or shipping companies, financial institutions, and others involved in fuel supply or engaged with the country‘s energy, defence, mining, finance, and security sectors.
These measures, combined, are significantly affecting the population’s human rights, notably their access to essential supplies and services, including water, food and healthcare.
US removes sanctions from three IRGC-linked entities
The US has removed counterterrorism sanctions from two aircraft and three airlines with links to Iran‘s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) according to details posted to the US treasury department‘s website, Reuters reports.
Trump Administration Vows to Dismantle the International Criminal Court
(July 14, 2026)
The ICC was established by a 2002 treaty to investigate and prosecute war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity when a member of the treaty is unable or unwilling to prosecute the crimes on its own. The U.S. signed but never ratified the Rome Statute, and the ICC has never opened an investigation into alleged crimes committed on U.S. territory.
The court has, however, taken actions against President Donald Trump’s ally, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It has also opened investigations into American actions overseas, including alleged war crimes committed by U.S. personnel in Afghanistan. Some human rights organizations and legal experts have also argued that U.S. strikes on vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific and the U.S. abduction of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro could fall within the ICC’s jurisdiction, as Venezuela is a party to the Rome Statute. The ICC has not opened a formal investigation into the U.S. conduct.
State Department Launches Campaign to Dismantle International Criminal Court’s Threat to American Sovereignty
(July 13, 2026)
Actions under consideration include:
– Diplomatic calls from the Secretary of State, Deputy Secretary, ambassadors, and other members of senior leadership to foreign nations highlighting the abuses of the ICC and the risks posed to Americans and other nations urging them to withdraw from the ICC
– Nations that partner with American law enforcement and the U.S. military or that enjoy the benefits of the U.S. security umbrella are called upon to reject the ICC’s purported authority to prosecute American officials and servicemen
– Increased scrutiny of nations that refuse to reject the ICC’s false authority while relying on U.S. assistance
– Diplomatic calls urging other nations that, like America, that are not party to the Rome Statute to leverage their diplomatic networks to take similar actions alongside us
– Visa revocations and travel bans for ICC personnel
– Increased sanctions against the ICC and affiliated organizations
Assembly declares Israel’s war in Gaza a genocide
MILWAUKEE — The 227th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) voted last week 454-15 to adopt RIW-04, declaring that the government of Israel has violated the international law prohibiting genocide in its war in Gaza. The Reformed Identity Around the World (RIW) Committee approved the overture with amendments, 55-4, before it reached the floor of the assembly.
US suspending sanctions on Iranian oil until 21 August
The US government has said it is suspending sanctions on Iran until 21 August.
The Treasury said in a statement that it was waiving all existing US sanctions on „the Production, Delivery and Sale of Crude Oil, Petrochemical Products, and Petroleum Products of Iranian-Origin through August 21, 2026.“
The waiver will also allow the US to import „petrochemical and petroleum products of Iranian origin“ for domestic use.
EU deploys new sanctions on Iran over Hormuz restrictions
“Ministers were clear today that Iran‘s actions are unacceptable,” said Kaja Kallas, high representative for foreign affairs and security policy and vice-president of the European Commission. “In response, EU Member States in Brussels today approved sanctions against the Iranian individuals and entities involved in disrupting transit through the Strait of Hormuz. This is the first time the EU has applied its new freedom of navigation sanctions regime, and where necessary [it] will apply it again.”
US removes sanctions on UN Palestinian rights expert after judge cites free speech
The Trump administration imposed the sanctions after accusing Albanese of “biased and malicious activities” and “lawfare,” including recommending that the International Criminal Court issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence minister, Yoav Gallant.
“It is undisputed that her recommendations have no binding effect on the ICC’s actions – they are nothing more than her opinion,” Leon said in his decision.
US federal judge blocks sanctions against UN expert on Palestine
(May 15, 2026)
Judge Leon made preliminary findings that President Donald Trump’s administration likely violated Albanese’s right to free speech by imposing sanctions against her. In his 26-page decision, he discussed the applicability of the First Amendment to Albanese, including an extensive discussion of the significance of free expression. He wrote:
Albanese has done nothing more than speak! It is undisputed that her recommendations have no binding effect on the ICC’s actions–they are nothing more than her opinion… Finally, protecting the freedom of speech is “always” in the public interest… Indeed, the “proudest boast” of our First Amendment is that it protects the freedom to express even “the thought that we hate.” Enough said.
Judge overturns US sanctions on UN official who called for war crimes prosecutions over Gaza
(May 13, 2026)
Secretary of State Marco Rubio imposed the sanctions on Francesca Albanese, the United Nations special rapporteur for Palestinian human rights, last July under an executive order President Donald Trump signed authorizing such actions against people “directly engaged” in the International Criminal Court’s investigations related to alleged atrocities in Gaza.
However, in a ruling Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Richard Leon said the administration’s sanctions against Albanese violate the First Amendment because they’re based solely on her encouraging the ICC to investigate and prosecute.
Former senior Canadian diplomats urge Ottawa to impose ‚robust‘ sanctions on Israel
It also says a high civilian death toll in Lebanon suggests Israel is violating international law. Israel says the campaign is targeting Hezbollah.
“While Canada recognizes Israel’s legitimate security concerns regarding Hezbollah, the razing of entire towns and the high civilian death toll is a serious violation of international law,” reads the letter, which was signed by 190 former diplomats who held high-ranking positions.
It follows on a similar letter issued last July that demanded Canada halt all arms trade with Israel.
Why are the state leaders of China and Russia complying with U.S. sanctions against Iran, Venezuela, Syria, and Cuba?
(August 7, 2021)
Because they want to.
China orders firms to ignore US Iran sanctions, daring US to enforce crackdown
(May 7, 2026)
A new directive, issued through China’s Commerce Ministry Sunday, invokes a 2021 „blocking statute“ that prohibits firms from complying with foreign sanctions deemed illegitimate.
Vor Trump Besuch in Peking: China blockiert US-Sekundärsanktionen – Firmen sollen weiter Iran-Öl kaufen
In einem der bedeutendsten Schritte gegen die US-Wirtschaftskriegführung hat das chinesische Handelsministerium seine Unternehmen offiziell angewiesen, die US-Sanktionen gegen iranisches Öl nicht anzuerkennen, nicht durchzusetzen und nicht zu befolgen. Es handelt sich um die erste Aktivierung der 2021 erlassenen „Blocking Rules“ (Regeln zur Abwehr ungerechtfertigter extraterritorialer Anwendung ausländischer Gesetze).
The German Government Prevented Me From Speaking About Press Freedom at the European Parliament.
(May 8, 2026)
As some of you might already know, my name is Hüseyin Doğru. I am a German citizen, a father of three, a journalist, and the founder of red., a now defunct English-language media outlet.
On 20 May 2025, I was placed on an EU sanctions list.
Not after a criminal conviction. Not after a trial. Not after a court had examined evidence against me.
I was placed on a list.
The reason given was not violence. It was not incitement. It was not a finding by any court. The reason was political: my journalism, my reporting on Gaza, and my coverage of Palestine solidarity protests in Germany were folded into the language of Russia, destabilisation, information manipulation and hybrid threats.
Israeli PM slams ‘moral bankruptcy’ of EU over settler sanctions
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the European Union on Monday after the bloc imposed sanctions on some Israeli settler organisations over violence against Palestinians.
„As Israel and the U.S. are ‚doing Europe‘s dirty work‘ by fighting for civilisation against jihadist lunatics in Iran and elsewhere, the European Union exposed its moral bankruptcy by drawing a false symmetry between Israeli citizens and Hamas terrorists,“ Netanyahu‘s office said on its official X account.
EU-Sanktionsregime gegen eigene Bürger: Wie Brüssel und Berlin Journalisten ohne Gerichtsurteil vernichten
Alle haben eines gemeinsam: Sie berichten außerhalb des NATO-/EU-Narrativs – sei es zur Ukraine, zu Gaza oder zur Energiepolitik.
Die Folgen für die Betroffenen sind existentiell: Konten werden eingefroren, Zahlungen blockiert, Reisen innerhalb der EU unmöglich gemacht. Sogar Familienangehörige (wie die nicht sanktionierte Ehefrau von Hüseyin Doğru) werden mit „Sanktionsumgehung“ bedroht. Doğru beschreibt seinen Zustand treffend: „On an existential level, you’re reduced to zero.“ Ein Vater von fünf Kindern kann nicht einmal mehr Windeln oder Medikamente kaufen, ohne dass Helfer Gefahr laufen, selbst strafrechtlich verfolgt zu werden.
Iran’s scientific frontline against sanctions and cancer
(June 11, 2025)
Many radiopharmaceuticals, especially those used in PET scans, have very short half-lives. This means they decay significantly within a short period, reducing their effectiveness.
Consequently, the „last mile“ of radiopharmaceutical delivery, including transport, is crucial for maintaining the drug‘s potency and safety.
Speaking to IRIB TV3 on Monday night, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Mohammad Eslami explained that importing radiopharmaceuticals were impossible until recently.
This was because Western countries refused to provide radiopharmaceuticals to Iran due to sanctions, while regional airlines such as Qatar Airways did not undertake such shipments, he said.
Donald Trump Says US Will Take Over Cuba ‘Almost Immediately’
President Donald Trump said Friday during remarks in Florida that the United States would take over Cuba “almost immediately,” suggesting an aircraft carrier could be positioned offshore after the conflict in Iran.
The comments came the same day Trump signed an executive order significantly expanding U.S. sanctions on the Cuban government and its affiliates.
Leaked US plan reveals new coalition to reopen Strait of Hormuz
The Wall Street Journal has obtained leaked diplomatic cables showing that the US plans to form a “Maritime Freedom Architecture” coalition to restart shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The plan focuses on intelligence sharing, diplomatic coordination, and simultaneous sanctions.
USA planen internationale Allianz für Straße von Hormus
Welche Länder teilnehmen sollen und ob etwa Deutschland angefragt wurde, wurde nicht bekannt gegeben.
Nach Informationen des Wall Street Journal handelt es sich nicht um eine militärische Koalition. Die US-Botschaften im Ausland seien jedoch gebeten worden, ihre jeweiligen Ansprechpartner zu fragen, ob sie in der neuen Allianz ein „diplomatischer und/oder militärischer Partner“ sein möchten.
The real reason Iran and the US cannot end the war: Money
n Iranian business newspaper reported in April that reconstruction would take at least 12 years.
“The nuclear issue is honestly Betamax now,” Alan Eyre, a former member of the US team that negotiated the Iran nuclear deal, told MEE, referring to the now obsolete 1975 video cassette player.
“Everyone is talking about what the Iranians are willing to give up. But that is largely a function of what they are willing to get,” he added. „What the Iranians want is money.“
Eyre said there are four ways Iran can be compensated for a deal that reopens the Strait of Hormuz and ends with an agreement on its nuclear programme: reparations, tolling, unblocking frozen assets, and sanctions relief. Of the four, he believes a toll in the Strait of Hormuz is the likeliest path for a deal.
EU to widen Iran sanctions to those deemed ‘responsible’ for blocking Hormuz
The European Union will expand the criteria of its Iran sanctions to include those responsible for blocking the Strait of Hormuz, two unnamed EU diplomats tell Reuters.
“There was a political agreement among ambassadors that we indeed would change the criteria in Iran’s sanctions regime so that we could also list persons and entities that are responsible for the obstruction of the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,” one of the diplomats said.
Trump Hands Humiliating Oil Victory to Putin Thanks to Iran War Chaos
Oil prices spiked to nearly $120 per barrel this week, their highest level since the pandemic. At the opening of the Asian markets on Friday, the price stayed above $100 per barrel, despite Trump bending the knee to the Kremlin dictator.
The Financial Times reported Thursday that Russia was already the biggest winner from Trump’s war, raking in as much as $150 million per day in extra budget revenues from oil sales.
But Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, after announcing the move to release the sanctioned oil, said it “will not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government.”
Why Vladimir Putin may be the big winner in Trump‘s Iran war
March 10, 2026)
Russian media was awash Monday and Tuesday with headlines and analysis about how the soaring oil prices will affect the country, but also its adversaries in the West. “Eastern Strike: Oil Price Could Surpass $150” read the headline in Russia’s pro-government Izvestia newspaper.
Elsewhere, firebrand pro-Kremlin TV host Olga Skabeyeva quipped Tuesday about people in the neighboring NATO nation of Estonia having to walk because public transport was already running out of fuel.
After Putin‘s meeting Monday, President Donald Trump appeared to hand him another gift as he suggested his administration was lifting sanctions on “some countries” to stabilize the oil market.
Treasury Department sanctions five senior Nicaraguan officials over repression
(February 26, 2026)
The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on five senior Nicaraguan officials, accusing them of helping President Daniel Ortega and his wife and co-President, Rosario Murillo, to entrench an increasingly authoritarian system through financial controls, labor policies, telecommunications surveillance and military intelligence operations.
The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control said the designations target officials who lead key agencies enabling what it described as the Murillo-Ortega regime’s “campaign of repression and tyranny.”