Iran has criticized the latest round of sanctions aimed at pressuring the country to curb its nuclear program.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said Tuesday that the new sanctions imposed by the European Union are “inhumane” and will not affect Iran's nuclear work.

The EU measures announced Monday ban financial transactions with Iranian banks unless the transfers deal with humanitarian goods and are approved in advance. They also include tighter restrictions on business with Iran's central bank, a ban on importing Iranian natural gas, and a ban on sending graphite and metals that Iran could use for its weapons program.

An EU statement said the sanctions are in response to what the 27-nation bloc calls Iran's “flagrant violation” of international obligations and refusal to cooperate with the U.N. nuclear agency.

Iran has engaged in three rounds of talks with the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council plus Germany since April, but has refused to scale back uranium enrichment unless major international sanctions are lifted.

Tehran denies Western accusations that it is trying to develop nuclear weapons under cover of a civilian energy program.