EU mulling over visa ban on Iranian officials

(Press TV) -- The European Union is considering imposing political sanctions on Iran by placing travel bans on certain Iranian officials after Tehran arrested local British Embassy staff in post-election events.

The Financial Times Deutschland, citing European diplomats meeting in Sweden, reported that the decision could be taken as soon as next week but depended on the situation.

According to earlier reports, the 27-nation bloc was also thinking over 'temporary recall' of its ambassadors as a 'sign of protest' to Iran's action.

Iran, warning Western countries against 'interfering' in its internal affairs, arrested a number local staff at the British Embassy for their involvements in post-election violence.

Officials in Tehran have warned that some of those detained staffers will be put on trial, accusing Britain of a role in instigating widespread post-election protests which resulted in the death of some 20 Iranians.

An EU diplomat said the bloc was waiting for an Iranian response to take measures step by step. Further meetings of EU officials were scheduled in Stockholm and Brussels on Friday.

Earlier on Monday, European foreign ministers promised a "strong and collective response" to Iran.

Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, whose country holds the EU's rotating presidency, expressed hope that "Iran's leaders will make the right choice" in avoiding confrontation with the international community over the issue of post-election unrest in the country.