The European Union may impose an embargo on oil exports from Tehran in the near future. The issue will be discussed in Brussels on January 30, RIA Novosti reports.
The EU believes that Iran refuses to cooperate on its disputed nuclear program. The US and a set of other states accuse Iran of developing nuclear weapons, while Tehran says it needs the energy for civlian purposes.
EU states passed additional sanctions against Tehran, banning imports of oil from Iran. France and Germany pointed out that it would ruin Iranian financial abilities.
Europe is the main consumer of Iranian oil. Italy, Spain and Greece import about 18% of all Iranian oil.
Iranian Vice-President Mohammad Reza Rahimi said that Tehran may close the Hormuz Strait if such sanctions are passed, stopping oil and gas exports from the Gulf.
Threats against Tehran escalated after announcement of a report of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regarding the Iranian nuclear program. The report said that Iran had been working on the nuclear program before 2003. The IAEA passed a resolution on November 18, urging Iran to open access to nuclear facilities for foreign inspectors and activate work with the organization.
