Iran imposes oil and gas sanctions on EU

Iran's oil ministry spokesman has said all crude oil and gas exports have been banned to the European Union, which has already imposed its own boycott on Iranian energy imports.

According to Associated Press, it is unclear what practical effect the Iranian decision would have. But Sunday's announcement by spokesman Ali Reza Nikzad Rahbar could be reportedly a symbolic act designed to reflect anger at Western unity over economic pressures on Iran.

Before the EU bans last year, the bloc represented about 18 percent of Iran's oil sales.