The United States has ended a sanctions waiver that allowed Iraq to buy electricity from neighboring Iran, in line with President Donald Trump's policy of exerting "maximum pressure" on Tehran.

In a statement Sunday, the State Department said the decision not to renew the waiver was made to "ensure we do not allow Iran any degree of economic or financial relief."

The move comes two days after Trump said he had written Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to press for new talks on Tehran's nuclear program.

The US president warned of possible military action if Iran did not give in -- a message that prompted Khamenei to reject "bullying" by foreign powers.

Iran supplies a third of Iraq's gas and electricity, providing Tehran with substantial income.

- 'Never take place'........

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