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BRUSSELS — European Union sanctions over Iran's nuclear programme will likely force the closure of a gas field off Scotland jointly owned by British group BP and Tehran, an EU spokesman said Tuesday.

EU foreign ministers gave the final stamp of approval Monday to tough sanctions targeting Iran's vital energy sector in order to bring the Islamic republic back to the negotiating table over its uranium enrichment activities.

"The UK authorities have informed the (European) Commission that the Iranian sanctions legislation is likely to cause the closure of this field," the EU spokesman said.

"This is an intended effect of the legislation and it shows that the UK authorities are ready to take the difficult decisions that are necessary to make the sanctions effective," he said.

"The commission will, of course, assist in any way possible an effective and orderly closure," the spokesman added.