Canada Reimposes Sanctions on 11 Iranian Entities

Canada reinstated sanctions on 11 Iranian entities on November 10. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced the decision during the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Paris. The Canadian government said the entities had contributed to Iran’s proliferation-sensitive nuclear activities, ballistic missile program or financing of its malign activities. The restrictions prohibit people in Canada and Canadians abroad from specified financial or property transactions with listed persons and entities. Canada said the measures aim to limit access to sensitive technologies and funding and disrupt financial networks supporting Iran’s nuclear program. Anand said: “Canada’s position is unequivocal: Iran must never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.” The relisted entities are the Nuclear Fuel Production and Procurement Company, Nuclear Reactors Fuel Company, Kala Naft, Naftiran Intertrade Company, National Iranian Oil Company, National Iranian Tanker Company, Bank Mellat, Bank Melli Iran, Bank of Industry and Mine, Export Development Bank of Iran and Iran Insurance Company. They had been removed from Canada’s autonomous sanctions list in February 2016. Canada first imposed these autonomous sanctions in July 2010. After the July 2015 nuclear agreement, the International Atomic Energy Agency reported in January 2016 that Iran had allowed verification and taken steps to restrict its nuclear program. Canada subsequently eased its restrictions, including delisting the eleven entities. In announcing their reinstatement, Canada called for Iran’s full cooperation with the agency and a return to negotiations. It said it would work with G7 partners and the wider international community toward a comprehensive, verifiable and durable agreement.