Germany calls for tougher EU sanctions against Iran

BERLIN (AFP) - Germany's foreign minister on Sunday called for tougher European Union sanctions against Iran, on the eve of a meeting to decide on harsher measures against Teheran over its disputed nuclear drive.

"Iran has not moved on any of the important questions over the past few months. Therefore, we must increase the sanctions pressure," Mr Guido Westerwelle said in a statement.

"By imposing further sanctions, we want the EU tomorrow to send a clear signal to Teheran," he said, adding that there was still the opportunity for negotiation.

The offer remained for "substantial talks with the clear goal of stopping Iran having a nuclear weapon", said Mr Westerwelle.