Parliament in Iran is expected today to vote on whether to stop sending oil to the European Union, its second biggest customer.

The measure comes after the EU voted last week to impose an oil embargo against Iran and freeze the assets of its central bank. 

The EU sanctions to punish Iran over its nuclear program are set to take effect by July.

They came just weeks after the United States approved — but has yet to implement — new sanctions targeting Iran’s central bank, a move seen as impeding Tehran’s ability to sell oil.

If Iran’s parliament passes the bill to stop oil shipments to Europe, the legislation must still be approved by the Guardian Council to become law.

If the bill does pass, some EU states, namely Greece and Italy which rely on Iranian oil, could face hardships.

But analysts see Arab producers satisfying some shortfall.

Source : RFE/RL