Written question asked by Lord Hague of Richmond (Conservative) on Wednesday, 12 November 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 17 November 2008. It was answered by David Miliband (Labour) on Wednesday, 26 November 2008 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Iran: Sanctions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on EU sanctions on Iran's (a) oil and gas and (b) financial sector; and when he expects new EU sanctions to be adopted.

Answer: The UK led pressure for a new EU Common Position and Regulation to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1803. The Regulation was adopted on 10 November 2008 and the provisions for increased vigilance over the activities of Iranian financial institutions are now being implemented. HMT have issued guidance on their website:"http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/fin_sanc_iran_notice_111108.pdf."The UK is continuing to press for additional individuals and entities to be subjected to an EU assets freeze. Following United Nations Security Council Resolution 1835 the UK is also discussing a range of possible EU measures which would go beyond the scope of Security Council resolutions should Iran continue to fail to implement its international obligations. As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has signalled, this could include a ban on investment in Iranian liquefied natural gas.

Secondary information