The European Union agreed Friday to bring into effect a new raft of restrictive measures against Iran over its contested nuclear program, and added new entities and one person to its sanctions list.
In addition to measures agreed by foreign ministers in
October, the EU added 18 new companies or institution and a person
"involved in nuclear activities or providing support to the Iranian
government" to the list of those targeted with an asset freeze and a
travel ban, according to a statement by the European Council, which
represents the bloc's 27 members.
This brings the total number of entities subject to sanctions
to 490 and the total number of people to 105, the Council said. The
identities of those concerned will be released Saturday in the EU's
Official Journal.
The new EU legislation bans transactions with Iranian
financial institutions, with some limited exemptions, and prohibits the
export of graphite, metals, key naval equipment and technology for
ship-building. The ban also targets equipment and technology used to
produce Iranian oil, natural gas and petrochemicals, as well as software
for industrial production.
Last week the U.S. also extended its measures against Tehran,
imposing sanctions on seven more Iranian entities and five individuals.
The EU and the U.S. have accused Iran of secretly developing nuclear weapons under the guise of its civilian nuclear program, a charge Tehran has always denied.