Canada imposes tougher sanctions against Iran

AP: Canada has imposed new unilateral sanctions against Iran, joining an international campaign to force Tehran to drop its nuclear program.

The Associated Press

By CHARMAINE NORONHA

TORONTO (AP) – Canada has imposed new unilateral sanctions against Iran, joining an international campaign to force Tehran to drop its nuclear program.

Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon said Monday the new measures will include a ban on any new Canadian investment in Iran’s oil and gas sector, and restrictions on exporting goods that could be used in nuclear programs.

Iranian banks will also will be barred from opening branches in Canada and Canadian banks will not be able to operate in Iran.

The West accuses Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons, but Tehran says its nuclear program is for peaceful electricity production.

The European Union also adopted on Monday a new round of sanctions against Iran to curb oil investment and target items that could be used toward a nuclear program.