12 June 2010 / REUTERS, BRUSSELS
Parts of Iran’s oil and gas industry could be targeted by an extra layer of European Union sanctions, according to a document prepared for EU leaders.The measures would not restrict Iranian oil and gas exports or imports but would seek to shut off new investment in the industry, as well as the transfer of technology, equipment and services to a sector that is economically vital to Iran. Iran is the world’s fifth largest crude oil exporter.
The EU restrictions, which would go substantially beyond the sanctions agreed by the United Nations Security Council this week, are contained in a draft declaration prepared for a summit of EU heads of state and government in Brussels on June 17. The declaration expresses “deep regret that Iran has not taken the many opportunities” to assuage international concerns about its nuclear program, particularly given its decision to enrich uranium to levels that bring it closer to weapons-grade. “Under these circumstances, new restrictive measures have become inevitable,” says the draft obtained by Reuters, which could be subject to change before it is issued.
