Iran has said that it has begun loading fuel into the core of the Bushehr nuclear plant. According to the press the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Catherine Ashton, will enter into talks with Iran, on 5 December, over its nuclear programme.

On 26th July 2010 Clyde & Co LLP published an article setting out the new Iran sanctions that had been adopted by the European Union Foreign Affairs Council.

It has now been two years since Iran-related sanctions relief took effect under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

On 25 October 2010, the European Council adopted a wide-ranging package of sanctions on Iran, with prohibitions affecting the energy, insurance, transport and financial sectors.