Highlights

High Representative Catherine Ashton at the press conference

Deeply concerned about the Iranian nuclear programme, at their meeting on 23 January EU Foreign Ministers agreed on more restrictive measures affecting various sectors. Ministers stressed that the measures "are aimed at affecting the funding of Iran's nuclear programme by the Iranian regime and are not aimed at the Iranian people".

The EU is pursuing a dual-track approach whereby sanctions are intended to persuade Iran to engage in constructive and substantive talks with a view to finding a diplomatic solution to the nuclear issue. In accordance with this policy, High Representative Catherine Ashton announced that ministers had agreed on additional measures, but that the door continued to remain open for serious negotiations with the Iranian government.

Various sectors were targeted: energy, finance and transport, in addition to further designations of persons and entities. A phased embargo of Iranian crude oil products to the EU received particular attention; restrictions regarding the financial sector include the Iranian Central Bank.

Serious concerns over Iran's nuclear and missile programmes have continued for some years now, leading to six UN Security Council and eleven IAEA Board resolutions. The UN agreed sanctions in order to urge Iran to comply with its international obligations and to co-operate with the IAEA. The EU has taken autonomous measures in addition to the UN sanctions.

After the IAEA Director-General had submitted a worrying report dated 8 November 2011, the Council reinforced existing restrictive measures and agreed to examine a broadening of sanctions. The result of this examination was the measures which were adopted on 23 January.

In addition, the Council remains concerned about the deteriorating human rights situation in Iran. During 2011 the Council had adopted restrictive measures against persons responsible for human rights violations in Iran while underlining at the same time that it remained ready to discuss human rights issues with the Iranian authorities.

More information:
The European Union and Iran (factsheet)
Press release  
Council conclusions on Iran  
Webcast Press Conference  
Doorsteps on Iran (extracts)