US urges South Korea to cut Iranian oil imports

A senior U.S. official urged South Korea on Tuesday to reduce its crude oil imports from Iran, increasing pressure on Washington's close ally to help confront Tehran over its nuclear program, Fox News reports.

South Korea restricts financial dealings with more than 200 groups and individuals with suspected links to Iran's nuclear program. But the country, which relies on Iran for up to 10 percent of its oil supplies, hasn't yet said whether it will buy less crude oil from Iran.

The United States has increased its diplomatic pressure on its allies as it seeks a unified front over suspicions that Tehran is pressing ahead with nuclear arms development.