Negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program could move forward very soon, the European Union's foreign policy chief said on Monday, Oct 15, as EU foreign ministers met to agree another round of sanctions against Tehran, Reuters reported.

The ministers are expected to impose new measures against Iran's banking sector, industry and shipping as part of an attempt to persuade Tehran to scale back its nuclear program by increasing pressure while continuing to offer talks.

"I hope we will be able to make progress very soon," Catherine Ashton, who represents six major powers in their on-and-off talks with Iran, told reporters ahead of the meeting, referring to the resumption of talks. "I absolutely think there is room for negotiations."

The new measures against Iran mark a significant change of policy for the EU, which has so far focused on targeting specific people and companies with economic restrictions.