Written Ministerial Statement: Iran Sanctions, 8 September 2026

The UK government has introduced new legislation aimed at restricting Iran’s nuclear development and other hostile activities. The proposed measures, presented via a written ministerial statement, seek to amend both The Iran (Sanctions) Regulations 2023 and The Iran (Sanctions) (Nuclear) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019. This move follows previous actions, including the 2025 implementation of UN sanctions snapback and the designation of 71 individuals and entities linked to Iran's nuclear sector.

The new regulations introduce expanded sectoral prohibitions targeting various industries. These include restrictions on the trade of goods, technology, and services related to energy, software, metals, and gold. The legislation also targets supporting services such as banking, insurance, and shipping. Furthermore, the government has expanded its authority to sanction specific vessels used to facilitate Iran's nuclear and destabilizing activities, and has implemented new prohibitions on Iranian aircraft landing in the UK.

Financial restrictions have also been broadened to limit the Iranian government's access to the UK financial system and its ability to fund nuclear projects. To prevent unintended economic consequences, the legislation includes specific mitigations. Notably, general licenses have been established to allow the continued operation of the Shah Deniz gas field in Azerbaijan, ensuring that critical energy supplies to European partners remain unaffected.

The UK government stated that these measures are intended to constrain Iran's nuclear ambitions following concerns over the accumulation of 60% enriched uranium. While the new sanctions increase pressure on Iran's industrial and financial capabilities, the government maintained that a negotiated diplomatic solution remains the only long-term method for addressing the threat of an Iranian nuclear weapon.