Iran Bans Imports From 100 EU Companies

Iran reportedly plans to ban imports from European companies as part of its counter-sanctions against the European Union (EU).

Deputy President of Iran Trade Promotion Organization Sasan Khodaei confirmed that Iran has banned imports from 100 European countries.  In an interview with Press TV on Wednesday, Khodaei said Tehran has imposed sanctions against 100 European companies in line with the policy to counter “antagonistic measures” by the EU. 

Khodaei added that the banned goods include “luxury items” which Iran has been able to produce them itself. 

Tehran’s decision to counter hostile European measures against the country was made after the EU foreign ministers agreed on January 23 to ban oil imports from Iran and freeze the assets of its Central Bank. 

The EU has also banned selling grains, diamonds, gold, and other precious metals to Tehran. 

On February 15 Iran’s Oil Ministry announced plans to cut oil exports to six European countries — including the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, France, Greece and Portugal — and in the first step cut crude sales to British and French firms on February 19. 

Tehran has so far cut oil exports to Greece, Spain and Germany and is considering halting crude exports to Italy as well. 

The US and EU accuse Iran of pursuing a military program under the cover of its nuclear energy work despite the fact that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has found no evidence to this end. 

Tehran refutes their claims arguing that as a committed member of the IAEA and a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty it is entitled to peaceful uses of the nuclear energy.