EU adopts Iran oil embargo BRUSSELS (AP) - The European Union adopted an oil embargo Monday against Iran and a freeze of the assets of the country's central bank, part of sanctions meant to pressure the country to resume talks on its nuclear program. EU diplomats are calling the measure part of a twin track approach toward Iran: increase sanctions to discourage what they suspect is Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons but emphasize at the same time the international community's willingness to talk. The EU also agreed to freeze the assets of the Iranian central bank, "while ensuring that legitimate trade can continue under strict conditions," the foreign ministers said in a statement. In addition, trade in gold, diamonds and precious medals with the bank and Iranian public bodies will be prohibited. The EU froze the assets of eight other companies, and imposed visa bans and assets freezes on three Iranians. They will not be identified until their names are published in the EU's official journal on Tuesday. Together, the measures are intended not only to pressure Iran to agree to talks but also to choke of funding for its nuclear activities. They agreed in principle to make up the costs Greece incurs as a result of the embargo. The National Council of Resistance of Iran, an exile group opposed to the country's clerical regime, welcomed the new sanctions and called for their implementation without delay. "For over two decades, the Iranian Resistance has called for comprehensive oil and financial sanctions against the religious and terrorist dictatorship ruling Iran," Maryam Rajavi, the organization's president-elect, said in a statement. The council, founded in 1981, is considered a terrorist organization by the United States, but not by the European Union. "While the clerical regime is all out to obtain nuclear weapons, a five-month delay in putting these sanctions in full force provides a significant amount of time for this regime to implement its ominous plots," Rajavi said.