CRI听力:EU Bans Iranian Oil, Freezes Central Bank Assets

At the same time, EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton says the 27-member block is also freezing the assets of Iran's central bank.

"We've added additional restrictive measures in the energy sector including a phased embargo on Iranian crude oil imports to the EU, and in the financial sector including against the central bank of Iran, while ensuring that legitimate trade can continue under strict conditions."

The EU sanctions include an immediate embargo on new contracts for crude oil and petroleum products from Iran.

However, existing contracts with Iran will be allowed to run until July.

Ashton adds the sanctions are part of a twin-track approach designed to pressure Iran to come back to the negotiating table over its nuclear programs.

"We want to see them come back and either pick up the proposals that we put on the table in Istanbul a year ago, and look at those as potential confidence-building measures, or to come with ideas of their own."

German foreign minister Guido Westerwelle says if Iran acquires a nuclear weapon, it will be dangerous for the security of the entire world.

"The option of a nuclear bomb for Iran would be dangerous not only for the whole region but for the security architecture of the whole world. Such an option must not be allowed by the international community."

French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe says the EU has opted for the very strong sanctions in order to avoid any kind of military solution.

"In order to avoid any military solutions, with irreparable consequences, we decided to go further in the sanctions, so we have adopted by consensus very strong sanctions on the central bank's assets and on Iranian oil exports, with a transitional system for countries that are the most dependant of Iranian supplies."

The White House is applauding the new European sanctions.

White House spokesperson Jay Carney.

"This process will continue to intensify so that Iran understands fully that the pressure will not let up and the isolation will not stop until they decide to make the right choice".
　
Meanwhile, at least two Iranian lawmakers say their government is ready to carry out its threat to shut down the Strait of Hormuz to shipping traffic.

At least 20-percent of the world's ship-bound oil moves through that Strait, which links the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean.

The US and Britain have both warned Iran not to disrupt the world's oil supplies.

For CRI, I'm Emily Henessey.