European Union ambassadors have agreed the details of an oil embargo against Iran over its nuclear programme, diplomats say.
The measures are expected to be officially approved by EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels later.
The envoys have reportedly agreed an immediate ban on all new oil contracts with Iran, while existing contracts will be honoured until 1 July.
The EU currently buys around 20% of Iran's oil exports.
Tehran denies that it is trying to develop nuclear weapons and says talks and not sanctions are the only way to resolve the dispute.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon said the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, as well as a British Royal Navy frigate and a French warship, have passed through the Straits of Hormuz at the entrance to the Gulf without incident in the wake of Iranian threats to block the trade route.
bbc.com
