Canada expands sanctions against Iranian individuals

Canada has imposed new sanctions targeting seven Iranian citizens, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced on February 14, under the Special Economic Measures Regulations.

According to a statement released by Global Affairs Canada, the measures are intended to counter efforts by the Islamic Republic of Iran to carry out repression and acts of violence both within the country and beyond its borders. The sanctions apply to individuals connected to Iranian state institutions accused of involvement in persecution, intimidation, and transnational repression targeting Iranian dissidents and human rights advocates.

The ministry stressed that Tehran’s alleged use of intermediaries and criminal networks to silence critics — including surveillance operations and violent incidents reported in Europe and North America — constitutes a violation of international law and poses risks to global security.

“The imposition of these sanctions clearly demonstrates that Canada will not tolerate attempts by the Iranian regime to intimidate or harm those who stand up for the truth, whether inside Iran or abroad,” Anand said.

Officials added that, including earlier measures, Canada has now sanctioned a total of 222 individuals and 256 entities linked to Iran.

By Tamilla Hasanova