Reuters - Germany and its European partners are considering setting up a payment system with Iran that allows the continuation of business transactions with the Islamic Republic once U.S. sanctions kick in, an economy ministry spokeswoman said on Friday.

�As you know, it is a central goal of the EU and the German government to ensure that the processing of transactions is secured,� the spokeswoman said during a regular government news conference. �All options are being considered.�

Reporting by Michelle Martin and Riham Alkoussa; writing by Joseph Nasr; editing by Thomas Seythal