Written question asked by John MacDougall (Labour) on Monday, 23 June 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 June 2008. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Thursday, 26 June 2008 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Iran: Sanctions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the European Union's new financial sanctions on Iran with particular reference to Iran's uranium enrichment programme; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: On 23 June the EU formally approved the listing of several Iranian individuals and entities, including Bank Melli, under its previous Common Positions. The UK has long argued for EU measures against Iran to reinforce those already imposed in UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1737, UNSCR 1747 and UNSCR 1803. We will pursue further EU action in the coming months and will argue for rigorous EU implementation, of UNSCR 1803 in a new Common Position, which is currently under discussion. The Government fully support strengthening sanctions against Iran, including financial measures, as part of the E3+3's dual-track process of engagement and pressure, to persuade Iran to comply with the Security Council and co-operate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Secondary information