UK sanctions relating to Iran (nuclear weapons)
This page provides guidance on the UK’s sanctions regime on Iran relating to nuclear weapons
The Iran (nuclear) sanctions regime
The Iran (Sanctions) (Nuclear) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 came fully into force on 31 December 2020. They are intended to ensure that certain sanctions measures relating to Iran continue to operate effectively.
You should also review the Sanctions (EU Exit)(Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2019, the Sanctions (EU Exit) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2020 and the Sanctions (EU Exit) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 3) Regulations 2020 to find out any amendments made to the Regulations.
This sanctions regime is aimed at encouraging the Iranian government to:
- comply with relevant UN obligations
- abandon nuclear weapons programmes
- restrict the ability of Iran to develop nuclear weapons and nuclear weapons delivery systems
This sanctions regime also gives effect to the UK’s obligations under United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231.
These regulations have replaced, with substantially the same effect, relevant existing EU legislation and related UK regulations.
Those persons who are designated under this regime are included on the UK sanctions list.
There is another Iran sanctions regime relating to human rights. This aims to encourage the government of Iran to comply with international human rights law and to respect human rights, which is in the Iran (Sanctions) (Human Rights) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.
Find out more about other UK sanctions regimes.
Contact details
For further information on financial sanctions: contact the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation OFSI@hmtreasury.gov.uk or subscribe to the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation’s e-alerts
For further information on export controls: contact the Export Control Joint Unit Helpline on 020 7215 4594 or email exportcontrol.help@trade.gov.uk or subscribe to the Export Control Joint Unit’s notices to exporters
For further information on import controls: contact the Department for International Trade’s Import Licensing Branch on importcontrols@trade.gov.uk
For further information on transport sanctions: contact the Department for Transport on transportsanctions@dft.gov.uk
For general information on sanctions: contact the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s Sanctions Directorate on Fcdo.correspondence@fcdo.gov.uk
Documents
The Iran (Sanctions) (Nuclear) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019
An explanatory memorandum accompanies the regulations, providing further information on their provisions.
Section 2(4) of the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018: report
Last updated 31 December 2020 + show all updates
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The UK's sanctions framework has changed.
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A link to general guidance on financial sanctions has been added.
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First published.