The UK has published legislation to introduce tougher sanctions on Iran, which include expanding trade restrictions as well as powers to target ships, as part of an effort to control any expansion of Tehran’s nuclear programme and other hostile activities.

The measures would restrict Iran’s access to the British financial system, include bans on more goods, and prevent Iranian aircrafts from landing in Britain in most cases.

These latest measures are part of plans the UK Government announced last year following the reinstatement of UN sanctions on Iran.

In a statement released by the government, Stephen Doughty MP and Minister for the Middle East said that the ‘lack of transparency around Iran’s nuclear programme has long posed a serious threat to international peace and security.’

He claimed that Iran has accumulated more than 400kg of uranium enriched to 60%; which is significant because Iran is the only country without nuclear weapons that has enriched uranium to this level.

Some of the industries to be impacted by the sanctions include ‘energy, software, metals, gold, and related activities such as shipping,’ Doughty said; all key industries that contribute to Iranian nuclear escalation.

However, Doughty stated that as part of the UK’s responsible approach to the use of sanctions, the new measures would not affect Azerbaijan’s Shah Deniz gas field which supplies European energy markets.

The legislation includes licences allowing the BP-operated project to keep running despite an Iranian stake in the consortium.