New York: The Obama administration is working up plans to push for new sanctions against Iran, targeting its energy, financial and telecommunications sectors if it does
not comply with international demands to come clean about its nuclear program, US officials said on Tuesday.
The officials said that the US would expand its own penalties against Iranian companies and press for greater international sanctions against foreign firms, largely European, that do business in the country unless Iran can prove that its nuclear activities are not aimed at developing an atomic weapon.
Among the ideas being considered are asset freezes and travel bans against Iranian and foreign businesses and individuals who do business in those areas, the officials
said.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the measures were still under review.
The proposed sanctions would largely focus on investment in Iran`s energy infrastructure and development, the officials said. Until now, the sanctions have dealt mainly with
companies and people suspected of buying or selling weapons of mass destruction or their components.
Diplomats from the five permanent members of the UN Security Council-- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States and Germany meet with Iran`s top nuclear
negotiator on Thursday in Geneva to press once again an offer of incentives for Iran to halt suspect activity.
Bureau Report
