Iran yesterday said some Western companies were refusing to refuel its planes in Europe and warned it would “confront” such measures, which it deemed illegal under international law.

“Unfortunately, some Western companies have adopted inappropriate measures,” foreign ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast told reporters when asked to comment on reports that Iranian planes were being refused jet fuel at London’s Heathrow airport.

“We advise their governments that this issue is against the illegal UN Security Council resolution, and under international law it is an unlawful act.”

Mr Mehmanparast warned that Iran would not tolerate such measures.

“We will definitely not tolerate such inappropriate actions by some companies and measures to confront such actions are on our agenda,” he said.

The Washington Post reported at the weekend that several major oil firms, including British Petroleum, Royal Dutch Shell and Q8, have abruptly cancelled jet fuel delivery contracts with Iran Air, Tehran’s state carrier.

The report said the cancelled contracts had hit Iran Air flights departing from destinations such as Amsterdam, London and Stockholm as they were now forced to make lengthy fuel stops either at an airport in Germany or one in Austria where Total of France and OMV of Austria are still providing fuel for the airline.

It said that Iran Air’s refuelling problems came as the US attempts to pressure the Islamic republic to abandon its nuclear programme by targeting those who do business with Iran in the fields of finance, insurance, and transportation.

The UN Security Council imposed its fresh set of sanctions on Iran on June 9, which were followed by several unilateral punitive measures from several countries, including the United States.

The US measures target the key energy sector of Iran, including products such as gasoline and jet fuel.