Restrictive measures in relation to the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction

Overview

Since 2006, the UN Security Council adopted several resolutions requiring Iran to stop its nuclear proliferation activities. These resolutions were accompanied by restrictive measures (sanctions), which the EU also transposed. In addition, the EU reinforced the UN measures with various economic and financial sanctions. On 14 July 2015 Iran and the ‘'E3/EU3’ agreed on a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) (see guidelines for a link to the JCPoA Information Note for more information). Following the JCPoA, on Implementation Day (16 January 2016), the EU lifted all its nuclear-related economic and financial sanctions concerning Iran. Consequently, the following activities, including associated services, are again allowed as of Implementation Day: financial, banking and insurance measures; trade in the oil, gas and petrochemical sectors; activity in the shipping, shipbuilding and transport sectors. Moreover, several persons, entities and bodies were delisted and are therefore no longer subject to asset freezes, prohibitions to make funds available and visa bans. The JCPoA foresaw that in case 8 years after adoption day Iran had fulfilled its commitments, the EU would lift its sanctions. However, on Transition Day , (18 October 2023), considering Iran’s non-compliance with its JCPoA commitments, the Council decided to maintain the EU autonomous measures under the regime as well as maintain on the sanctions list the individuals and entities initially designated by the UN for involvement in nuclear or ballistic missiles activities or affiliated to the Islamic Revolutionary guard Corps (IRGC). Thus, a number of measures and restrictions remain in place even after Transition Day. These concern inter alia the arms embargo, restrictive measures related to missile technology, restrictions on certain nuclear-related transfers and activities, and provisions concerning certain metals and software which are subject to an authorisation regime. On 29 September 2025, following the UN Security Council’s decision not to extend the lifting of sanctions on Iran, the Council has decided to reinstate several restrictive measures against Iran, reversing the suspensions implemented under the JCPoA. The reinstated measures include UN sanctions from 2006, integrated into EU law, and additional EU autonomous measures. In addition, the sanctions imposed by the EU in view of the human rights situation in Iran, support for terrorism and other grounds (e.g. the war in Syria, the Iran “drones” regime) are not part of the JCPoA and remain in place to this day. Adopted by: UN and EU.

Targeted country

Legal bases

• Council Decision concerning restrictive measures against Iran and repealing Common Position 2007/140/CFSP
• Council Regulation concerning restrictive measures against Iran and repealing Regulation No 961/2010
• Council Regulation concerning restrictive measures against Iran and repealing Regulation No 961/2010

Official resources