The European Union is imposing further sanctions on Iran because of its continued refusal to comply with UN Security Council resolutions on its nuclear programme. Iran must show that its programme is entirely peaceful. This decision was taken by EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels today.

The EU prohibits the supply of technology required for Iran’s nuclear programme. It is also extending trade restrictions to cover goods for the oil and gas sectors, which Iran partly uses to fund its nuclear programme, and will freeze the assets of people involved in the programme. Finally, the EU is restricting consignments to and from Iran.

‘The Netherlands is satisfied with these forceful and effective sanctions, which will have an immediate impact on the Iranian regime,’ said foreign minister Maxime Verhagen. ‘This is the most extensive sanctions package the EU has ever imposed. It demonstrates our unanimity and underlines our concerns.’

The EU sanctions go further than UN resolution 1929 of 9 June in several important respects. The EU ministers also renewed their call for Iran to resume diplomatic dialogue – not only on the nuclear programme but also on human rights, especially freedom of expression.

At the initiative of Mr Verhagen and his French counterpart Bernard Kouchner, the EU is preparing measures to promote internet freedom in Iran.

Comments/Questions? Email netherlands@un.int