Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. January 24, 2012 World Reaction to Latest EU Sanctions on Iran VOA News Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd States that his country will take the same action as the European Union and ban oil imports from Iran. Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd Described the embargo as part of an unprecedented set of sanctions that shows the resolve of the EU on Iran. Ron Paul Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Called the EU move a step in the right direction, but warned it is not possible to know what effect the embargo will have on Iran. Newt Gingrich Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov Criticized the EU embargo Monday, saying unilateral sanctions will not help revive negotiations between Iran and six world powers on the Iranian nuclear program. Those talks have been on hold for a year. Rick Santorum U.S. President Barack Obama Praised the European Union oil embargo and said the United States will apply new sanctions as well. The United States and other countries say Iran's nuclear program is aimed at building a weapon, a charge Iran denies. Rick Santorum Indian Oil Minister Jaipal Reddy States that New Delhi wants to buy as much oil as it can from Iran because terms are favorable. He said India will only follow sanctions imposed by the United Nations. Rick Santorum Iran Position is that the EU decision to ban Iranian oil imports is illogical and that pressure and sanctions against Iran do not work, despite evidence to the contrary. Two Iranian lawmakers called for their country to close the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation. .