Canada has announced the implementation of United Nations sanctions against Iran in response to its ongoing nuclear proliferation activities, which continue to pose a serious threat to regional and international security. Despite repeated international calls to limit its nuclear program to peaceful purposes and to fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran has failed to meet its obligations.
The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced amendments to the Regulations Implementing the United Nations Resolutions on Iran (UN Iran Regulations), reimposing previously terminated UN Security Council sanctions. This action aligns with Canada’s obligations under Article 25 of the UN Charter as a UN Member State.
The sanctions cover broad prohibitions on exports to and imports from Iran, including nuclear, dual-use, and ballistic-missile-related materials, equipment, and technology. They also restrict technical and financial assistance related to these goods, enforce a comprehensive arms embargo, and impose service prohibitions for Iranian vessels.
Since 2019, Iran has not complied with the commitments outlined in the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), signed by Iran, China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The JCPOA, endorsed by the UN Security Council, was designed to ensure Iran’s nuclear program remains exclusively peaceful and included a “snapback” mechanism allowing previously lifted UN sanctions to be reinstated.
Canada’s announcement follows the activation of this snapback mechanism by France, Germany, and the United Kingdom on August 28, leading to the full reinstatement of nuclear-related sanctions on September 28. Canada, alongside the G7 and other international partners, continues to call on Iran to fully adhere to its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, resume complete cooperation with the IAEA, and engage in direct talks with the United States to achieve a robust and durable nuclear agreement preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
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