Australia expands sanctions against Iran

Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd said in a statement Tuesday that the measures will target people and companies involved in Iran’s ballistic missile and nuclear programs and will restrict Australia’s business with Iran’s petroleum and financial sectors.
Rudd cited last week’s attacks on the British Embassy in Tehran and a recent International Atomic Energy Agency report that suggested Iran was working to develop atomic weapons as reasons behind the sanctions.
The US, Britain and Canada also announced additional sanctions on Iran after the report was released. The sanctions are meant to pressure Iran’s economy.