EU adopts sanctions against Iran’s dubious nuclear programme

The measures are similar to steps taken by the US in recent weeks to negotiate Tehran’s uranium enrichment programme, trying to curtail Tehran’s refining and natural gas capability and apply financial pressure.

EU foreign ministers also decided to resume talks over Iran’s enrichment work, which they regard as a hidden quest to develop nuclear weapons.

"This is increased pressure on Iran to enter into negotiations about their whole nuclear programme," Foreign Secretary William Hague said, adding "I hope Iran takes from this message that European nations are open to negotiations about the nuclear programme, but if they don't respond, we will intensify the pressure."

The sanctions will have legal backing once published in the EUs official journal on Tuesday, aimed at also limiting deals with Iran’s state shipping company, insurance companies, cargo firms and banks.

The toughest element for Iran to digest which is paramount to the country’s energy-based economy will be the sanction to prohibit new investment in and technical assistance to Iran’s refining, liquefaction and liquefied natural gas sectors.

Iran denies it is enriching uranium to fuel atomic bombs, saying the programme is for energy and medical purposes only.