Iran’s nuclear proliferation activities continue to pose a major threat to regional and international security. In 2015, UN Security Council Resolution 2231 (UNSCR 2231) was adopted to fully implement the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which consists of a series of measures designed to ensure that Iran’s nuclear program remains peaceful. Today, these restrictions are set to expire, while Iran continues to scale up its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

“Today’s sanctions, taken in coordination with our allies, send a clear message that the path of nuclear non-compliance will only further isolate the Iranian regime. Canada is rolling over these sanctions to ensure that we can continue to impose costs on the regime for its nuclear proliferation activities.”

- Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs

• October 18 marks the Transition Day of the JCPOA, on which certain sanctions provisions currently listed under UNSCR 2231 are set to expire. The expiration of these provisions is expected to trigger the lifting of sanctions on individuals and entities related to Iran’s nuclear program, as well as certain weapons prohibitions.

• Today’s sanctions include the following prohibitions on persons in Canada or any Canadians outside Canada:

  • Prohibitions on the export to Iran of:
    • items, material, equipment, goods and technology related to goods listed in the Missile Technology Control Regime (2015/254)
    • battle tanks, armored combat vehicles, large caliber artillery systems, combat aircrafts, attack helicopters, warships, missiles or missile systems as defined in the United Nations Register of Conventional Weapons
  • A prohibition on the provision to any person in Iran of technical assistance, financial or related services related to the supply, sale, transfer, manufacture or use of the products subject to the export prohibitions
  • A prohibition on making available to any person in Iran any property, financial assistance or investment related to the supply, sale, transfer, manufacture or use of the products subject to the export prohibitions
  • A prohibition on providing any technology to Iran in respect of any activity related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons
  • A prohibition on the acquisition and import from Iran of arms and related material

• As of today, Canada has sanctioned 194 Iranian individuals and 248 Iranian entities, including the IRGC and key members of the regime’s security, intelligence and economic apparatuses.

• Canada consistently calls on Iran to return to compliance with its nuclear commitments under the JCPOA and to de-escalate its nuclear activities, including at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Canada is a leading contributor to the critical monitoring and verification of Iran’s nuclear program by the IAEA, having contributed $21 million since 2014, including $4 million in fiscal year 2022 to 2023. 

• In 2012, Canada designated Iran as a state supporter of terrorism under the State Immunity Act. In concert with the Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act, this listing allows victims to bring civil action against Iran for losses or damages from an act of terrorism with links to Iran committed anywhere in the world.

Associated links

• Sanctions: Gross and systematic human rights violations in Iran
• Canadian sanctions related to Iran

Isabella Orozco­‑Madison
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Isabella.Orozco-Madison@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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