Canada announces implementation of UN sanctions against Iran over nuclear proliferation activities

October 1, 2025 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Iran’s nuclear proliferation activities remain a serious threat to regional and international security. Despite repeated calls from the international community to limit its nuclear program to exclusively peaceful purposes and to fully restore cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran continues to ignore its international obligations and commitments.

The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced amendments to the Regulations Implementing the United Nations Resolutions on Iran (UN Iran Regulations), reimposing previously terminated United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions against Iran in response to its continued nuclear activities.

Today’s announcement is consistent with Canada’s obligations as a Member State of the United Nations under Article 25 of the UN Charter. 

The sanctions include:

• broad prohibitions on exports to and imports from Iran: nuclear, dual-use, and ballistic-missile-related material, equipment, and technology;
• prohibitions on technical and financial assistance related to restricted goods;
• a comprehensive arms embargo; and
• services prohibitions for Iranian vessels.

Since 2019, Iran has failed to comply with the commitments outlined in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) that was signed in 2015 by Iran, China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Endorsed in 2015 by the UNSC, the JCPOA established measures to ensure Iran’s nuclear program remained exclusively peaceful. It also created a “snapback” mechanism, allowing the reimposition of UN sanctions previously terminated under the agreement.

Canada’s announcement follows the activation on August 28 of the JCPOA snapback process by France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, collectively known as the E3, which led to the full reinstatement of UN nuclear-related sanctions against Iran on September 28.

Alongside the G7 and other international partners, Canada continues to call on Iran to fully implement its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, resume full cooperation with the IAEA, and engage in direct talks with the United States toward a robust, durable, and comprehensive nuclear agreement that ensures Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon.