Written question asked by Mark Pritchard (Conservative) on Friday, 9 October 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 October 2009. It was answered by Ivan Lewis (Labour) on Monday, 12 October 2009 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Iran: Sanctions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will discuss with his EU counterparts extending economic sanctions against Iran to include exported refined oil products.

Answer: The E3+3 invited Iran to re-enter talks about its nuclear programme in April 2009. Iran has yet to provide a constructive response on the issues of concern, but has now agreed to meet E3+3 officials on 1 October 2009.Iran must take urgent positive steps to reassure the international community that its nuclear programme is for exclusively peaceful purposes, starting at the meeting on 1 October. Should Iran fail to do so, we will have no option but to pursue further sanctions. We are considering the options available and will discuss them with EU partners when necessary.

Secondary information