Australia Imposes New Iran Sanctions Over Nuclear Issue

Iran's envoy to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Ali Asghar Soltanieh

Australia has announced an expansion of sanctions against Iran over the Islamic republic’s nuclear program.

Foreign Minister Bob Carr said in a statement on January 10 that the new sanctions targeted Iran’s financial, trade, energy, and transport sectors.

"These sanctions further increase pressure on Iran to comply with its nuclear nonproliferation obligations and with UN Security Council resolutions and to engage in serious negotiations on its nuclear program," the statement said.

It added that the Australian sanctions were in line with measures already imposed by the European Union and other countries.

Iran has seen its oil exports fall and its economy decline due to an embargo and other measures imposed by the EU, the United States, and other countries.

Iran denies allegations it is seeking to develop nuclear weapons.

Based on reporting by AP and Abc.net.au