DHAKA: France says Iran could face European sanctions over its recent launch of ballistic missiles.

French foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said sanctions would be taken ‘if necessary’, following talks in Paris with US and European counterparts, reports the BBC.

Iran drew strong criticism earlier this month when it launched several missiles as part of a military exercise.

In January, the US imposed sanctions on Iranian companies and individuals in response to a previous round of tests.

That move came a day after international nuclear sanctions on Iran were lifted as part of a deal designed to prevent it developing nuclear arms.

As part of the deal - agreed with world powers - a UN resolution that barred Iran from undertaking any work on ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads was terminated.

However, a new resolution then came into force that ‘calls upon’ Iran not to undertake such activity.

BDST: 2130 HRS, MAR 13, 2016
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