President Of The Supreme Federal Court Orders Petrobras To Supply Iranian Ships

The President of the Federal Supreme Court (STF), Minister Dias Toffoli, Ordered Petrobras to Provide Fuel for the Two Iranian Ships Stationed for Almost 50 Days at the Port of Paranaguá

The President of the Federal Supreme Court, Antonio Dias Toffoli, put an end to the impasse regarding the Iranian ships docked off the country’s coast, near Paranaguá, in Paraná. The minister determined on Thursday, July 25, that Petrobras should fuel the vessels that have been stranded off the Brazilian coast without fuel since June 9.

The first vessel is loaded with corn, while the second will proceed for loading the same product at the Port of Imbituba (SC). Petrobras informed, through its press office, that it has not yet been notified and will analyze the decision.

Petrobras refused to do the business on the grounds that the vessels are on the list of companies sanctioned by the United States. The argument is that by providing the oil, the state-owned company itself would be at risk of facing penalties from U.S. authorities.

Toffoli, in turn, argued that the Brazilian company Eleva Química, responsible for the vessels, is not on the U.S. list. The ships, flying the Iranian flag and named “Bavand” and “Termeh,” brought urea to Brazil and were supposed to return to Iran with corn.

According to Toffoli, the Brazilian company Eleva Química, responsible for the vessels, is not on the list of sanctioned agents by the U.S., therefore there is no possibility of Petrobras facing sanctions from the Americans, since the refueling will be conducted by court order.

“With these reasons, I consider the request for suspension unwarranted, thus, consequently, the preliminary decision is revoked, given the absence of risk of a multiplying effect of the challenged decision, as well as the potential harm to primary interests related to national sovereignty, administrative order, and the economy due to the execution of the decision issued in AI No. 0030758-77.2019.8.16.0000,” he states.

Relations between the U.S. and Iran are going through one of their worst moments in recent years since the U.S. government announced its withdrawal from the nuclear agreement made with Tehran.

Donald Trump has stated that he does not rule out a “military” solution to what he considers the “Iranian problem.” So far, however, unilateral sanctions have been the main mechanism of pressure used against Iran.

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