EU formally adopts oil embargo against Iran

EU formally adopts oil embargo against Iran

FILE - In this Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 file photo, Iranian navy speed boats attend a drill in the sea of Oman. (AP Photo/IIPA, Ali Mohammadi)

BRUSSELS, Belgium — BRUSSELS, Belgium -- European Union nations have formally adopted an oil embargo against Iran as part of sanctions over its nuclear program.
British Foreign Secretary William Hague on Monday called the measure part of "an unprecedented set of sanctions."
He says, "I think this shows the resolve of the European Union on this issue."
Diplomats say the measures, adopted by the EU's 27 foreign ministers, include an immediate embargo on new contracts for crude oil and petroleum products while existing ones are allowed to run until July.
Iran says its nuclear program is exclusively for peaceful purposes. But many international officials fear the country is trying to develop nuclear weapons.