U.S., Britain and Canada launch offensive sanctions to Iran

U.S., UK and Canada launched a battery of sanctions against Iran in various fields, while continuing the pressure on the Islamic government after complaints about its nuclear program.

Thus, the U.S. announced new sanctions affecting the petrochemical industry in this country anddeclared it a territory of "primary concern for money laundering."

This designation, based on anti-terrorism law enacted in 2001 during the administration of former President George W. Bush after the attacks of 11 / S, currently applies only to six banksaround the world. Only one other country, Myanmar has received throughout its territory.

"For the first time, the Treasury has identified the entire Iranian financial sector, including theIranian Central Bank, private banks and their subsidiaries operating abroad, as entities that pose risks of illicit financial global financial system," Geithner said in a press conference.

Measure does not involve the immediate application of sanctions against the Iranian CentralBank, but gives the Treasury authority to do so in the future and warns banks around the world that "if they hold any Iranian entity transactions, risk be declared illegal, "said the senior official.

U.S. President Barack Obama also issued an executive order that permits the imposition of sanctions on persons or entities "sell, rent or provide" to Iran goods, services or technology to"maintain or improve" Iran's oil capacity expand production of petrochemicals.

The British government, meanwhile, announced the breakup of their financial ties with Iranian banks. "The UK is ceasing all contacts between the British financial system and Iran," said George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer in London.French President Nicolas Sarkozy, proposed today a series of sanctions against Iran. The French proposal includes a freeze on central bank assets and an embargo on Iranian oil shippingin the Persian country.

The proposals were mentioned in a letter sent by the government Gallic political leaders of the United States, Germany, Japan, UK, Canada and the European Union. The document also stresses that Iran should not threaten any of its neighbors.