TOKYO, May 18 (Xinhua) -- Japan decided Friday to impose tougher sanctions on Iran, which includes freezing the assets of 15 Iranian individuals and 13 institutions in Japan as designated by a UN sanctions resolution, Kyodo News said.

    Japan will also ban weapons and items, as well as remittance to Iran which are linked to the country's nuclear activities, in an effort to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1747 adopted in March.

    "There is a need to take a resolute response on the Iranian nuclear issue...," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuhisa Shiozaki said.

    According to the top government spokesman, Japan will not provide fresh grant aid or loans to the Iranian government, except for humanitarian and development purposes, and will monitor, restrain and notify the entry of individuals related to Iran's nuclear and missile development programs.

    The UN Security Council passed resolution 1747 on March 24 to impose tougher sanctions against Iran nuclear and missile programs, demanding Tehran to suspend uranium enrichment work in 60 days or face further consequences.

    Iran is a major oil exporter to Japan. The sanction measures are likely to put Japan in a difficult position, analysts said.