Japan slaps fresh sanctions on Iran over nuclear programme

Japan on Friday imposed new sanctions on Iran over its nuclear programme despite strong trade ties with Tehran, the government said, DPA reported.

The cabinet-approved sanctions included a freeze on the Japan-based assets of 88 institutions and 24 individuals. With the new steps, a total of 161 Iranian organizations and 65 individuals are subject to the freeze.

The new measures also restrict fresh Japanese investments in oil and gas projects in Iran.

The government, however, decided not to impose any import restrictions on crude oil from Iran, the fourth biggest supplier to Japan after Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

In 2009, Iran exported around 421,000 barrels per day to Japan.

The United Nations imposed its fourth set of sanctions on Iran in June. Western nations have accused Iran of seeking to develop atomic weapons, but Tehran has maintained that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes only.