Guidance on financial sanctions, Iran relating to nuclear weapons

This page contains the list of asset freeze targets, listed because of proliferation-related activity in Iran. It also contains information on regulations.

Current list of designated persons: Iran (nuclear proliferation)

PDF, 190 KB, 21 pages

Latest HM Treasury Notice, 04/03/2022, Iran (Nuclear)

PDF, 307 KB, 19 pages

HM Treasury Notice, 10/02/2022, Iran (Nuclear)

PDF, 163 KB, 9 pages

HM Treasury Notice, 25/03/2021, Iran (Nuclear)

PDF, 109 KB, 5 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.

The Iran (Sanctions) (Nuclear) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 ensure sanctions relating to Iran are implemented effectively after the UK leaves the EU.

Context

This sanctions regime is aimed at

• encouraging Iran to comply with relevant UN obligations

• encouraging Iran to abandon nuclear weapons programmes

• restricting 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 (UNSCR) 2231 (2015).

The regulations impose asset freezes on those who are, or have been, involved in the facilitation of restricted weapons-related activity in Iran. It also imposes asset freezes and other financial measures on any person named by the Security Council for the purposes of UNSCR 2231 (2015).

The UK also implements a sanctions regime on Iran related to human rights.

Some individuals and entities listed under this regime are also listed under the following regimes:

• Iran (Human Rights)
• Syria

If you aren’t sure where someone may be listed, you can consult OFSI’s consolidated list of asset freeze targets.

Legislative developmentsJoint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA)

On 16 January 2016 (Implementation Day), Iran completed its nuclear-related commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) and received extensive sanctions relief. As part of this sanctions relief, restrictions on financial transfers to and from Iran were lifted. Therefore, you no longer need to obtain prior authorisation for, or notify HM Treasury of, transfers of funds sent to or received from Iran.

However, some individuals and entities remain subject to restrictive measures under the Iran (Nuclear) (EU Exit) Regulations, and it is your responsibility to ensure you are compliant.

Some persons, entities and bodies subject to counter-proliferation measures use ‘shell’ or ‘front’ companies to disguise the ultimate destination of goods, funds and services. You must ensure that no funds or economic resources are made available, directly or indirectly, to or for the benefit of listed targets.

UN Resolutions

On 20 July 2015, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2231 (2015) which terminated previous resolutions on Iranian nuclear proliferation.

UK regulations

• The Iran (Sanctions) (Nuclear) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019
• The Sanctions (EU Exit) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2019
• The Sanctions (EU Exit) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2020
• The Sanctions (EU Exit) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No.3) Regulations 2020
• 18.01.2016 The Iran (European Union Financial Sanctions) Regulations 2016 (SI 2016 No 36) (applicable prior to 11:00pm, 31 December 2020)

EU Regulations (applicable prior to 11:00pm, 31 December 2020)

Council Regulation (EU) No 267/2012

Find out more about UK sanctions on Iran relating to nuclear weapons