NCRI – The European Union states today approved new sanctions against Iran regime, including an assets freeze of Bank Melli, its biggest bank for providing services to the regime's nuclear weapon and missile programs.

The sanctions which also include a travel ban on high-level experts dealing with Iran regime's nuclear weapons program were adopted without debate at EU talks in Luxembourg on Monday.

The new round of sanctions against Iran regime was approved over its refusal to meet international demands to curb its nuclear program, an EU official said.

The United States placed Bank Melli on its blacklist last year.

The UN Security Council approved a third round of sanctions against Iran over the issue in March 2008.

The UN Security Council sanctions block the sale to the Iranian regime equipment and technology related to nuclear activities.

They also ban the sale of so-called dual-use items, and call on governments to withdraw financial backing from companies trading with the regime, and prevent dealings with an state bank and a number of named individuals and organizations.

Photo: Iranian exiles supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) call for sanctions against the Iranian regime. They call for a firm and resolute policy by international community in the face of the growing threat of the Iranian regime. (File Photo)