31.   The actions ignited speculation that the EU may join in a U.S. embargo on Iranian oil exports.

32.   The American energy industry and many European countries, interested in Iranian oil and the Iranian market, have urged a change of policy.

33.   The bill would forbid all economic and financial transactions, banning American companies from buying Iranian oil.

34.   The initiatives will not affect U.S. sanctions against American investment in the Iranian oil industry.

35.   The setback in international relations prompted speculation that EU imports of Iranian oil might be banned, forcing refiners to seek alternative supplies.

36.   The U.S. currently is the only country that bans Iranian oil.

37.   Those companies can now buy Iranian oil but cannot sell it directly in the United States.

38.   U.S. companies also can buy Iranian oil if they do not bring it into the United States for refining.

39.   Under the new rules American companies and their subsidiaries will no longer be permitted to buy Iranian oil and sell it in third markets, including Japan.

40.   Under the trade ban announced by President Clinton earlier this month, U.S. oil companies can no longer buy Iranian oil for sale to countries outside the United States.