Canada reimposes sanctions on 11 Iranian entities for contributing to nuclear activities

On Tuesday, Canada reinstated sanctions against 11 Iranian entities due to Iran's non-compliance with nuclear obligations and its refusal to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), according to Foreign Minister Anita Anand. These sanctions, which targeted entities involved in nuclear procurement, oil, and banking, had previously been lifted in 2016 as a recognition of Iran's progress under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

The JCPOA, signed in 2015 among Canada, Iran, the US, the EU, and other nations, was established following Iran's failure to meet nuclear commitments. In return for relaxed sanctions, Iran agreed to restrictions on its nuclear program and enhanced IAEA verification. However, Iran's cooperation with the IAEA began to waver in June 2025 when the IAEA reported that Iran was not fully adhering to JCPOA terms.

Following the US and Israel's military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in July 2025, Iran suspended IAEA cooperation and barred the agency from fulfilling verification and monitoring duties.

This non-compliance, coupled with Iran's continued production of enriched uranium, prompted the reinstatement of UN sanctions. Consequently, Canada followed suit, reclaiming some of the sanctions it had previously lifted in recognition of Iran's perceived progress under the JCPOA.