Video: William Hague: Iran sanctions show EU is taking 'very strong lead in world affairs' Mr Hague, who had been meeting his EU counterparts in Brussels for talks on measures to combat Iran's nuclear programme, declared Britain's "strong welcome" for the new oil sanctions agreed against the country. "The EU is taking a very strong lead in world affairs and we strongly welcome this," he said. After earlier urging Tehran to "come to its senses," the Foreign Secretary added that he expected the sanctions to be "very effective" in opening Iran up to engaging in "meaningful" talks. Earlier, Tehran threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz if exports were "disrupted" as tensions appear set to escalate in the Gulf. That announcement followed Britain, America and France's decision to send six warships led by a 100,000 ton aircraft carrier through the highly sensitive waters. Any bid by Iran to block the entrance to the Gulf, through which 20 per cent of the world's oil exports pass would be "illegal" and "unsuccessful," Mr Hague said earlier.