Iranian oil is exported by the United States and Iran is regarded as the best mediator of the United States and Iran.

Iran intends to invite Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as a mediator between the Middle East and the United States to ease the oil sanctions imposed by the United States.

Shinzo Abe will visit Iran and meet with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Japan is one of the major countries that export oil to Iran. Therefore, the transfer of Iran’s request through Japan will be the key to the opening of dialogue between the United States and Iraq.

“Reuters” reported that a senior Iranian official believes that Japan can help ease the ongoing tension between the United States and Iraq. He also said that the United States should lift unfair oil sanctions imposed on the country or extend the exemption clause. Another official pointed out that Abe is a good mediator.

Oil sanctions seriously affect Iran’s economy

After the United States unilaterally withdrew from the nuclear agreement, it launched an “economic war” against Iran and issued a series of sanctions. The United States originally threatened to return Iranian oil exports to zero in November last year, and finally provided 180 days exemption for eight countries or regions.

Oil exports are Iran’s economic artery, accounting for 70% of total exports. Oil sanctions have seriously affected its economy. Under U.S. sanctions, the Iranian economy has contracted by nearly 1.5% in 2018 and is expected to shrink further by 3.6% in this year. According to estimates, the Iranian economy will shrink to 6% under the influence of sanctions.