The European Union tightened its sanctions against Iran, in response to "serious violations of human rights" in the country.
EU Foreign Ministers, meeting Monday in Brussels, prolonged the "restrictive measures " against Tehran by 12 months which are now valid until 13 April 2014.
The EU also added nine people it said were responsible for "serious human rights violations" to the list of those subject to a travel ban and an asset freeze. This brings the number of persons targeted to 87.
The Foreign Affairs Council also decided to subject one entity –meaning a company or organization - responsible for human rights violations to an asset freeze.
Iran has carried out at least 55 public executions in 2012. Some 400 people were reportedly put to death in the country last year.