These few figures undeniably suffice to support the accusation of economic pillage levied against Staff Rosenberg on behalf of the western European countries.
Because of the harsh economic sanctions levied on the country over its nuclear programme, it is suffering from shortages of many essential goods, and is desperate for allies and trade partners.
American officials say Rouhani's change in tone is driven by the Iranian public's frustration with crippling economic sanctions levied by the US But it is still unclear whether Iran is willing to take the steps the US is seeking in order to ease the sanctions, including curbing uranium enrichment and shutting down the Fordo underground nuclear facility.
"It is a false dichotomy that we have to choose between our commercial and other interests," he told the [public policy research foundation] Cato Institute in 1998, speaking out against economic sanctions levied by the Clinton administration against countries suspected of terrorist activity.
For North Korea, diplomacy towards the south is a route to talks with the US, and part of a long-term effort to lower economic sanctions levied on the country, according to Christopher Green, senior adviser for the Korean peninsula for Crisis Group, a conflict-prevention organisation.
Russian officials have warned that any economic penalties levied by the West would be met by the same from Moscow.
To quote a 2013 U.N. report, North Korea has committed "unspeakable atrocities" on its people over even the smallest criticisms of the state, which have resulted in comprehensive economic sanctions levied by the U.S. and its international allies.
Upholding Tuesday's decision will be much more difficult than issuing statements supporting its conclusions; the tribunal has no navy, no economic sanctions to levy for non-compliance.
On Tuesday, Turkey's deputy prime minister Numan Kurtulmus said the country may levy economic sanctions against the Netherlands as well.
Similarly, [Treasury] Secretary [Steven] Mnuchin has levied economic sanctions on North Korea and related entities.
Through their latest threats, Iran's leaders hope to deter the international community from further expanding the economic pressure being levied in response to their persistent nuclear effort.
