Japan imposes additional sanctions on Iran

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Friday September 03, 2010 08:16:01 AM GMT

TOKYO, Sept 3 (Reuters) - Japan imposed additional sanctions against Iran over its disputed nuclear programme on Friday, following the lead of the United States in putting pressure on Tehran despite Tokyo's reliance on oil imports from the country.

The fresh measures that go beyond requirements in a U.N. Security Council resolution include financial restrictions such as banning banking activities with designated Iranian banks, as well as halting new energy-related investment.

Japan had approved sanctions against Iran in early August in line with the U.N. Security Council resolution 1929, but U.S. officials have urged Tokyo to follow the European Union in adopting tougher sanctions.

Iran is now Japan's No.4 crude supplier after Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Qatar. In 2009, Japan imported about 421,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude from Iran. (Reporting by Yoko Nishikawa; Editing by Joseph Radford)

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