First, Iran's merchant class, who are firm supporters of the clerical establishment, are losing lucrative import-export contracts.

ECONOMIST: Iran

The sanctions bar PDVSA from access to U.S. government contracts, financing through the U.S. Export-Import Bank and export licenses.

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The sanctions imposed on PDVSA only prohibit the company from obtaining either a U.S. export visa or money from the U.S. Import-Export Bank, as well as banning them from attempting to obtain U.S. procurement contracts.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy