NEW DELHI – India is feeling severe pressure from US and would soon engagewith the Trump administration on waivers for importing oil from Iran, amidDelhi’s principled position on maintaining ties with Iran without anycompromise.

North Korea is a priority for the US and Secretary of State Mike Pompeolink> would be travelling toPyongyang between July 5 and 7, forcing postponement of the maiden round of2+2 Dialogue for the second time.

The two sides, however, are preparing to hold dialogue in the comingmonths, according to persons familiar with the process.

However, there’s no doubt that the US is putting pressure on India to cutdown oil imports from Iran. But India “will explain its case to theAmericans”, one of the persons quoted above said, adding, “Ultimately,India has to see its national interest. Iran is an important neighbour forus.” India is not stopping import of Iranian oil, it has been learnt.It has also been learnt that Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swarajlink> had informed her Iraniancounterpart that India is studying the provisions of the US sanctions.

“The option of the Rupee-Riyal mechanismlink>is on the table asone of the mechanisms to continue with oil exports from Iran,” said aperson familiar with the matter. The US is expected to engage with severalcountries within the next month on the Iran issue, including India.