Сanada reinstates UN Security Council sanctions on Iran over nuclear activities

The Canadian government has announced the reinstatement of United Nations Security Council sanctions against Iran, citing Tehran’s ongoing nuclear proliferation as a threat to regional and international security.

According to a statement from the Canadian Foreign Ministry, Iran has continued to ignore international calls to limit its nuclear program to peaceful purposes and to fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Anand, stated that amendments to the Regulations Implementing the United Nations Resolutions on Iran (UN Iran Regulations) will reimpose previously terminated UN sanctions in response to Iran’s continued nuclear activities. She emphasised that the move aligns with Canada’s obligations as a UN member state under Article 25 of the UN Charter.

The sanctions include broad prohibitions on exports to and imports from Iran, specifically targeting nuclear, dual-use, and ballistic-missile-related materials, equipment, and technology. They also encompass bans on technical and financial assistance related to restricted goods, a comprehensive arms embargo, and restrictions on services for Iranian vessels.

"Since 2019, Iran has failed to comply with commitments under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), signed by Iran along with China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Endorsed by the UN Security Council, the JCPOA sought to ensure Iran’s nuclear program remained peaceful and included a “snapback” mechanism allowing previously lifted UN sanctions to be reinstated," the statement reads.

Canada’s announcement follows the activation of this snapback process on August 28 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.

"The Canadian government, together with the G7 and other international partners, continues to urge Iran to fully adhere to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, resume comprehensive cooperation with the IAEA, and engage in direct negotiations with the United States toward a durable nuclear agreement preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons," the statement concludes.

By Tamilla Hasanova