EU Wants Austria to Defy Trump by Handling Iran Money

Nations want nuclear deal but are wary of handling payments
Austria is resisting pressure, saying it wouldn’t be feasible

Sebastian Kurz shakes hands with Hassan Rouhani on July 4.Photographer: Alex Halada/AFP via Getty Images

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By Alessandro Speciale, Boris Groendahl, and Birgit Jennen

November 13, 2018 at 10:52 AM UTC

Updated on

November 13, 2018 at 3:52 PM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

European Union countries want to defy U.S. President Donald Trump and keep funds flowing to Iran to save the nuclear agreement -- just as long as it doesn’t happen in their backyard.

EU nations have identified Austria as the best candidate to host a special purpose vehicle that could handle payments to Iran, according to three people familiar with the negotiations. Austria itself is not so keen. Belgium, Luxembourg and France have also been identified as potential venues but Belgium and Luxembourg have declined while France is looking to Austria.