Australia puts in place further sanctions against Iran

CANBERRA, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith announced on Wednesday his country had placed travel and financial sanctions against nearly 40 individuals and organizations which contribute to Iran's nuclear and missile programs.

The Australian government was "deeply concerned" at Iran's refusal to suspend uranium enrichment and other activities as required by multiple UN Security Council resolutions, Smith said.

Smith said there was a 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," he said.

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 Iran suspend uranium enrichment and reprocessing, and allow IAEA inspectors to verify how its facilities are used.

Smith said the sanctions were targeted against 20 Iranian individuals and 18 organizations which contribute to Iran's nuclear and missile programs, or otherwise assist Iran to violate its Security Council obligations. These organizations include Iranian banks Melli and Saderat.

He said the IAEA confirmed last month 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," which worried Australia very much, he said.