EU acts to protect firms from Donald Trump's sanctions against Iran

Companies told to ignore White House demands to drop all business with Iran

The EU has launched an attempt to protect European businesses from Donald Trump's sanctions against Iran as the US administration voiced its intent to apply maximum pressure on Tehran by vigorously applying its punitive measures.

The sanctions came into force at midnight (US east coast time). At the same time, a blocking statute - last used to protect EU firms from US sanctions against Cuba - was brought into force in an attempt to insulate firms and keep alive a deal designed to limit the Iranian government's nuclear aspirations.

(August 16, 2015) 'Nuclear holocaust'

Related: North Korea frustrates US as 'maximum pressure' eases on sanctions

Related: Trump plays dangerous game with anti-Iran Twitter rant