AFP, BRUSSELS, 26 July 2010- European Union foreign ministers on Monday adopted new sanctions targeting Iran’s energy sector over the Islamic republic’s disputed nuclear programme, a diplomat told AFP.

The package of ’sanctions against Iran has been adopted’ at a meeting in Brussels, the diplomat said. Most of the sanctions will take effect on Tuesday when they are published in the EU’s official journal.

The new EU sanctions include a ban on the sale of equipment, technology and services to Iran’s energy sector, hitting activities in refining, liquefied natural gas, exploration and production, diplomats said.

There is also a ban on new investments in the energy sector. 

The EU is also banning dual-use goods that can be used for conventional weapons. It will also step up vigilance of the activities of Iranian-connected banks operating in the EU and bar them from setting up branches.