Canada bans nearly all Iranian imports
Citing concerns over Tehran's nuclear program, Ottawa blacklists dozens operating in Islamic Republic
TORONTO (AP) — Canada is banning nearly all exports to and imports from Iran.
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird said Wednesday Canada has grave concerns over Iran’s nuclear program. Canada is also adding 30 individuals and 82 entities to an economic blacklist.
Baird says Iran has produced nothing but “false promises and empty gestures” about its nuclear program.
The US, Canada and their allies fear Iran is moving toward development of a nuclear weapon. Iran denies any interest in nuclear arms.
The latest round of sanctions comes after talks between Iran and the United Nations Security Council, as well as Germany, failed to reach an agreement.
Canada shut its embassy in Tehran last September and ordered Iranian diplomats to leave, accusing the Islamic Republic of being the most significant threat to world peace.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.