Gordon Brown calls for fresh sanctions on Iran

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has called for stringent sanctions against Iran over its controversial nuclear programme, specifically targeting investments in Tehran's liquefied natural gas.

"In the next few weeks, we want to extend the measures and sanctions to include investment in liquefied natural gas. I believe that sends another signal to the regime that what is happening is unacceptable," Brown said.

Iran was one of the major issues of discussions during the the British leader's visit to Washington that included talks with the US President George W Bush at the White House as also a private dinner at the residence.

"I make no apology for saying that we will extend sanctions, where possible, on Iran. Iran is in breach of the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Iran has not told the truth to the international community about what its plans are," Brown said yesterday at a joint press conference with Bush after talks.

"I'm talking to other European leaders about how we can extend European sanctions against Iran over the next period of time, and to ensure that what sanctions are taken are effectively implemented," he said.

Brown said his country, the US, will work with other partners, including Russia and China, to make sure that Iran recognises that it cannot ignore the international community and its obligations at its -- without -- with impunity.