The highest court in the European Union on Friday threw out sanctions against a handful of Iranian businesses — including banks — that were suspected of maintaining ties to the nation’s nuclear program.
There wasn’t enough evidence to justify the sanctions, justices with the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg ruled, The Associated Press reported.
The sanctions had been fixed on eight Iranian banks and companies, AP said.
Western nations aren’t happy with the ruling, saying the sanctions are necessary to keep in check Iran’s nuclear development program, AP reported. Iran, for its part, insists all its nuclear development is for peaceful purposes, to supply citizens with energy — and not to construct weapons.
Court officials announced the sanctions will stay in effect for a couple more months, though, giving the West time to launch an appeal.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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