Factbox: EU clamps down on Iran's energy interests

(Reuters) - The European Union introduced tougher sanctions on Iran on Tuesday, targeting its oil and gas interests inside the Islamic Republic and abroad.

The new laws are part of the west's latest attempt to pressure Tehran to drop its nuclear enrichment program, limit financial transfers and ban deals with the state shipping line and air cargo.

Following are details of the EU's new sanctions that relate directly to energy:

1 - EU Member States should prohibit the sale, supply or transfer to Iran of key equipment and technology as well as related technical and financial assistance, which could be used in the Iranian oil and natural gas industries. EU Member States should prohibit any new investment in these sectors in Iran.

Key sectors include refining, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and oil and gas exploration and production (E&P). This ban also applies to Iranian or Iranian-owned enterprises engaged in those sectors outside Iran.

The ban applies to all EU nationals or supplies from EU territory and includes the use of vessels or aircraft under the jurisdiction of EU Member States whether or not originating in their territories.

2 - A ban on granting any financial loans or credits to enterprises in Iran that are engaged in the sectors mentioned in point 1 in Iran, or to Iranian or Iranian-owned enterprises engaged in those sectors outside Iran.

3 - A ban on the acquisition or participation, including buying shares or securities, in enterprises that are engaged in the sectors mentioned in point 1 in Iran or to Iranian or Iranian-owned enterprises engaged in those sectors outside Iran.

4 - A ban on the creation of any joint venture with enterprises in Iran that are engaged in the sectors mentioned in point 1 in Iran and with any subsidiary or affiliate under their control.

(Reporting by Daniel Fineren; Editing by Alison Birrane)