Putin hopes Iran can continue exporting oil

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed hope on Saturday that Iran could continue to export its oil despite US efforts to prevent it as part of a reinstatement of sanctions decided by Washington.

The Trump administration has urged major Iranian oil-rich countries to end their acquisitions as of May 1, failing which they will be affected by sanctions.

Donald Trump seeks to dry up oil exports from the Islamic Republic after pulling the United States out of the July 2015 agreement on control of Tehran's nuclear program.

Washington expects Saudi Arabia and its Gulf allies to increase production to offset a reduction in Iran's supply.....