‘Total’ Reviews Iranian Deal in Case US Reimposes Sanctions

Total Chief Executive Officer Patrick Pouyanne speaks during the launching of Total Spring in Paris, France, October 5, 2017. Reuters
Total Chief Executive Officer Patrick Pouyanne speaks during the launching of Total Spring in Paris, France, October 5, 2017. Reuters
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‘Total’ Reviews Iranian Deal in Case US Reimposes Sanctions

Total Chief Executive Officer Patrick Pouyanne speaks during the launching of Total Spring in Paris, France, October 5, 2017. Reuters
Total Chief Executive Officer Patrick Pouyanne speaks during the launching of Total Spring in Paris, France, October 5, 2017. Reuters

French oil and gas major Total would have to review its Iran gas project if the United States decided to impose unilateral sanctions on Tehran, given its interests in the US market, Total’s chief executive told CNN.

Last month, US President Donald Trump unveiled a tough and comprehensive new policy towards Iran. He accused Tehran of violating the nuclear accord and announced that he would no longer certify that the lifting of sanctions was in US interests.

The agreement is now effectively in limbo while Congress decides how to respond as it now has about a month to decide whether it will re-impose sanctions on Iran.

“Either we can do the deal legally if there is a legal framework,” Patrick Pouyanne said in remarks made to CNNMoney Emerging Markets late on Monday.

“If we cannot do that for legal reasons, because of change of regime of sanctions, then we have to review it.”

Pouyanne’s office confirmed to AFP that the interview had taken place.

“If there is a sanctions regime on Iran, then we will have to study it carefully,” Pouyanne also said.

“We work in the USA, we have assets there and we have just acquired more assets in the US” he added.

Total has become the first major Western oil company to sign an agreement with Iran to develop phase 11 of the giant South Pars gas field, the world's largest gas field.

It increased its US presence in November 8 with the purchase of a portfolio of liquified natural gas assets from Engie (ENGIY), including the company's stake in the Cameron LNG project in Louisiana, one of the first new gas export terminals in North America.

Iran has repeatedly said Total's agreement on the South Pars field demonstrated the success of the nuclear deal, hoping that other Western and Asian companies would sign agreements with Iran.

However, fearing possible US sanctions, western companies and major international banks are still reluctant to invest in Iran.

Pouyanne said that until the US makes its decision, it would push ahead with the South Pars deal, repeating that the company hoped for first contracts to be concluded by January.



EU to Keep US Trade Countermeasures on Hold Until August

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speaks during a joint press conference with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto (not pictured) at the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium, 13 July 2025. EPA/OLIVIER MATTHYS
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speaks during a joint press conference with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto (not pictured) at the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium, 13 July 2025. EPA/OLIVIER MATTHYS
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EU to Keep US Trade Countermeasures on Hold Until August

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speaks during a joint press conference with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto (not pictured) at the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium, 13 July 2025. EPA/OLIVIER MATTHYS
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speaks during a joint press conference with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto (not pictured) at the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium, 13 July 2025. EPA/OLIVIER MATTHYS

The EU will extend its suspension of countermeasures to US tariffs until early August as it aims for a negotiated solution on trade with the United States, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Sunday.

US President Donald Trump escalated his global trade war on Saturday and threatened to impose a 30% tariff on imports from the European Union from Aug. 1, separate from sector-specific duties, despite months of intense talks.

Announcing the extension of the halt on retaliatory measures, von der Leyen told reporters the bloc would "continue to prepare further countermeasures so we are fully prepared."

A first package of countermeasures to US tariffs on steel and aluminium that would hit 21 billion euros ($24.6 billion) in US goods was suspended in April for 90 days to allow time for negotiations.

The suspension had been due to expire on Monday.

A second package has been in the works since May and would target 72 billion euros of US goods, but these measures have not yet been made public and the final list requires approval by member states.

Von der Leyen added that use of the EU's Anti-Coercion Instrument was not yet on the table.

"The (anti-coercion) instrument is created for extraordinary situations, we are not there yet," Reuters quoted her as saying.

The instrument allows the bloc to retaliate against third countries that put economic pressure on EU members to change their policies.

Possible retaliatory steps could include restricting EU market access to goods and services, and other economic measures related to areas including foreign direct investment, financial markets and export controls.