Iran’s oil minister adds to confusion on sanctions

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran’s oil minister says Tehran has only stopped crude sales to Britain and France while continuing sales to “other countries” in the world.

Thursday’s remarks by Rostam Ghassemi are likely to stir up confusion since they appear to contradict earlier government statements that Tehran has also cut off exports to Greece and Spain.

Iran first imposed oil embargoes on Britain and France in February. In April, it said oil sales were cut to Greece and Spain as well.

The measures were meant as pre-emptive retaliation ahead of an EU oil embargo that is due to go into effect in July.

The EU imposed the ban because of Iran’s refusal to halt its controversial nuclear program. The West suspects Tehran’s nuclear program is geared toward nuclear weapons — a charge Iran denies.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.