Britain, France, Germany call for new Iran sanctions

UNITED NATIONS (AFP) - Britain, France and Germany have officially called for new European Union (EU) sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program, diplomats said on Sunday.

The foreign ministers of the three countries wrote to EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton last week calling for tougher measures as the showdown with Iran becomes more tense, a European diplomat told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Details of the new measures are still being worked on but EU foreign ministers will discuss the move at a meeting in Brussels on Oct 15.

"It is necessary that we sharpen the sanctions," said a second western official, confirming the request.