国际英语新闻：Canada imposes more sanctions on Iran

Iranian financial institutions are now barred from operating in Canada and Canadians may not purchase Iranian government debt instruments.

"These additional sanctions are in no way meant to harm or punish the Iranian people. They are aimed at Iran's irresponsible and aggressive government," Cannon said.

Ottawa's new sanctions were designed to conform to similar punitive measures recently taken by the European Union and the United States under UN Resolution 1926.

Canadian officials said privately that Canada expects Japan and Australia to sign on to these new sanctions within the next few days.

"These sanctions are intended to slow the progress of the Iranian authorities' nuclear, chemical and biological and missile programs," Cannon said. "They are also intended to persuade the Iranian authorities to resume negotiations with the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany, with the aim of meeting Iran's nuclear obligation."

He said the international community "is united in purpose and commitment," and that "no state can threaten peace and security without consequences."