U.S. Welcomes New EU Sanctions on Iran

The United States Monday welcomed new European Union financial and trade sanctions slapped on Iran over its nuclear program, saying they deepened the Islamic republic's isolation.

The package targets EU dealings with Iran's banks, shipping, and gas imports, and bolsters the most stringent U.S., European and international sanctions ever imposed on the Iranian government, which have badly damaged its economy.

White House spokesman Jay Carney said Washington welcomed the adoption of the new EU sanctions "in response to the Iranian government's continued violation of its international obligations regarding its nuclear program."

"This action... further strengthens international efforts to pressure and isolate the Iranian government," Carney said.

On the eve of the second of three debates between Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney, Carney also argued that credit was due to the U.S. president for his leadership on building a united front against Iran.

"Rallying the world to isolate Iran and increase the pressure on its leadership so that they stop pursuing a nuclear weapon has been a top priority for the president since the day he took office," he said.

Carney was speaking in Williamsburg, Virginia, where Obama has been hunkering down for three days of intensive practice ahead of Tuesday's debate on Long Island, New York.

Under the package, the EU banned all transactions between European and Iranian banks unless authorized in advance by national authorities, for example for humanitarian or medical reasons.

It also tightens existing sanctions against Iran's central bank.

Imports of Iranian gas will be prohibited, a symbolic gesture since the amounts involved are small, but the move sits alongside the much more significant July ban on imports of Iranian oil.

Sales of graphite and metals of potential use to Iran's nuclear or ballistic missile programs are also to be closed down, while other measures target the country's shipping industry.

The package also bans the use of EU vessels for transporting or storing Iranian oil.