EU to enforce Iran oil embargo on July 1

BRUSSELS - The European Union (EU) on Monday formally approved an embargo on Iranian oil to be enforced on July 1.

The EU Foreign Affairs Council made the decision following a review of the EU's restrictive measures against Iran in Luxembourg. It means that the latest package of EU sanctions against the country will apply as earlier decided, and two exemptions will end, as scheduled, on July 1.

This latest package of sanctions against Iran was adopted in January 2012. It banned imports of Iranian crude oil and petroleum products, but exempted "already concluded contracts," which can still be executed until July 1, 2012.

Contracts for importing Iranian oil that were concluded before January 23 will have to be terminated by July 1. From the same date, the EU insurers may no more provide third-party liability and environmental liability insurance for the transport of Iranian oil.

"The measures were taken in relation to the EU's serious concerns over Iran's nuclear program. The objective of the EU remains to achieve a comprehensive, long-term settlement on the basis of meaningful negotiations between the E3+3 (the United States, Britain, China, France, Russia and Germany) and Iran," said an EU statement.