Australia ups sanctions against Iran

thedaily.com.au

Australia is turning the screws on Iran over its nuclear weapons program, putting in place new financial and travel sanctions targeted at those supporting its atomic ambitions.

Foreign Minister Stephen Smith on Wednesday announced the sanctions were directed at 20 individuals and 18 organisations which contribute to Iran's nuclear and missile programs.

"The Australian government is deeply concerned at Iran's refusal to suspend its uranium enrichment and reprocessing-related activities as required by multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions," he told parliament.

Australia has repeatedly urged Iran to cooperate with inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and assure the international community it is only using uranium for peaceful purposes.

The UN has adopted four resolutions demanding it suspend uranium enrichment and reprocessing, and allow IAEA inspectors in to verify how its facilities are being used.

"Three UNSC resolutions have imposed sanctions, including travel and financial restrictions against those engaged in Iran's proliferation sensitive activities," Mr Smith said.

"Australia supports each of these binding

resolutions, and has implemented these sanctions fully."

Mr Smith said last month the IAEA had again confirmed that Iran persisted with uranium enrichment and reprocessing-related activities and had refused to give it access to all relevant facilities.

"The IAEA also reported it had detailed information suggesting Iran has conducted studies into nuclear weapons and that Iranian military entities have been involved in nuclear procurement," he said.

"This information further deepened our concerns about Iran's nuclear intentions."

As a result, Australia saw the need for further measures to pressure Iran to comply with its international obligations.

"In response to on-going Iranian defiance ... and given the government's strong commitment to nuclear non-proliferation, the government has now decided to impose new financial and travel sanctions effective from today," Mr Smith said.

"The sanctions are targeted against 20 Iranian individuals and 18 organisations which contribute to Iran's nuclear and missile programs, or otherwise assist Iran to violate its Security Council obligations.

"These organisations include Iranian banks Melli and Saderat."

But Mr Smith said the measures weren't intended to stymie legitimate trade between the two countries.

However, Australia supported UN calls for nations to be vigilant about providing financial support for trade with Iran which helps contribute to its nuclear activities.

"To this end, Australia will not provide new financial support for trade with Iran under Australia's trade promotion and trade finance programs," Mr Smith said.