Barack Obama signs new sanctions against Iran into law

US President Barack Obama has signed into law new sanctions against Iran intended to impede the development of its nuclear programme, BBC news reported.

The measures, which penalise foreign companies that trade with Iran, were overwhelmingly approved by US Congress last week.

Obama said the sanctions would strike "at the heart" of Iran's ability to fund and develop nuclear programmes.

The bill targets those firms that supply Iran's Revolutionary Guards or contribute to the country's energy industry, including foreign companies that provide finance, insurance, or shipping services.

Obama said: "We are showing the Iranian government that its actions have consequences, and if it persists, the pressure will continue to mount, and its isolation will continue to deepen.

"There should be no doubt - the United States and the international community are determined to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons."

Obama noted that Iran had rejected the offer of dialogue and engagement he had made on taking office last year.

"To date, Iran has chosen the path of defiance," he said. "That is why we have steadily built a broader and deeper coalition of nations to pressure the Iranian government."