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

Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in a statement that the sanctions are designed to hamper attempts by Iran to develop nuclear, chemical, biological and missile programs as well as to persuade it to agree to "constructive discussions with China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States."

"These sanctions also send a message to all states -- particularly those with nuclear aspirations -- that international standards cannot be flouted without consequence," Harper said.

The sanctions bar dealings with designated individuals and entities involved in nuclear or weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) proliferation, including key members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, he said.

"They ban new investments in Iran's oil and gas sector and the export of goods to Iran that could contribute to nuclear proliferation," Harper added.