MAERSK LINE has stopped all port calls to Iran, as the pressure of western sanctions on the Islamic republic mounts.

"This is based on balancing doing limited business in Iran against the risk of damaging business opportunities elsewhere, particularly the US," said a Maersk spokeswoman.

 "Maersk Line will maintain a dormant business entity in Iran and will look to resume business should the sanctions regime be eased," she said.

 The carrier said its main business with the country was transporting food and other goods to the people of Iran, and it regretted no longer being able to do so.

(Source:shipping online)