Japan please to be spared sanctions penalties

Japan says it is pleased to be temporarily spared from penalties as the U.S. resumes sanctions on Iran.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, however, told reporters Tuesday that Japan will monitor and analyze any possible impact the sanctions may have to make sure the sanctions do not adversely affect Japanese companies.

President Donald Trump's administration reinstated all remaining sanctions on Iran on Monday.

A US ally, Japan is one of eight major importers of Iranian oil that received waivers on immediate penalties.

Suga said Japan's exclusion reflects Washington's consideration of Tokyo's repeated requests to minimize the impact of sanctions on Japanese companies.

He said Japan will continue to cooperate closely and discuss the issue with the US side.