Melbourne: Australian Government has expanded sanctions against Iran in response to its continued non-compliance with UN Security Council resolution on its nuclear programme.
Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd said in a statement on Monday that the measures will target people and companies involved in Iran's ballistic missile and nuclear programmes and will restrict Australia's business with Iran's petroleum and financial sectors.
Rudd said the new measures have been taken following the attacks on the British Embassy in Tehran on November 29 as well as the recent International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report reinforcing concerns about Iran's nuclear activities, Australian Associated Press reported.
The extra sanctions, targeting additional entities and individuals over their involvement in Iran's ballistic missile and nuclear programs, underlined Australia's mounting concern, he said.
"The measures will also further restrict business with Iran's petroleum and financial sectors," he said adding "Iran must take steps required by the UNSC and the IAEA, and engage constructively with the international community on its nuclear programme."
Rudd said Australia's latest move was consistent with measures recently taken by the United States, the European Union and a number of other countries.
"Australia is committed to a negotiated solution of the Iran nuclear issue," he said.
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