France calls for EU sanctions on Iran

PARIS, Oct. 4 (UPI) -- France has petitioned fellow EU members to impose further sanctions against Iran for its uranium enrichment program.

In a letter to fellow EU foreign ministers, French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said despite Tehran's claims of peaceful electrical generation, the nuclear program was giving Iran nuclear military capacity, the BBC reported.

"Time is working against us, since each day Iran moves closer to mastering the technology of enrichment, which means a de facto military nuclear capacity," Kouchner wrote. "It is vital that the EU today show its determination and set an example once again by taking the initiative of firm new measures."

The report said Germany and Italy oppose tougher sanctions, although Britain was seen as an ally.

The U.N. Security Council has imposed financial and travel sanctions on Iran for its defiance but last month the five permanent council members and Germany voted against further sanctions pending various reports.