Canada restores sanctions on 11 Iranian entities over nuclear breaches
Ottawa has added 11 Iranian energy and financial organizations back to its sanctions list, citing Iran's failure to uphold nuclear non-proliferation commitments.
By Larissa Bell ·
The Canadian government has reimposed sanctions on 11 Iranian energy and financial organizations. The decision follows the regime's failure to meet promises regarding its nuclear program, ballistic missile development, and its continued financing of violence in other regions.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand issued a statement on Tuesday to confirm the move. She described Canada's stance as unequivocal, emphasizing that Iran must never be permitted to acquire a nuclear weapon. The minister added that the country will keep collaborating with G7 partners and the wider international community. The goal is to reach a comprehensive, verifiable, and durable agreement that addresses the nuclear program while strengthening regional and global security.
The specific entities targeted by these punitive measures were previously removed from Canada's sanctions list in 2016. At that time, the removal was a recognition of the regime's efforts to ensure its nuclear activities remained strictly peaceful.
The situation changed significantly in June 2025. The International Atomic Energy Agency, which serves as the world's nuclear watchdog, reported that Iran was no longer complying with its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Tensions escalated further when the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran in February. In response, the Iranian regime suspended all cooperation with the IAEA. This suspension prevented the agency from monitoring Iran's nuclear activities effectively.
The federal government stated that this reimposition of sanctions aligns with the efforts of Canada's international partners. The aim is to disrupt Iranian financial networks that support its nuclear program.
Global Affairs Canada noted that the sanctioned entities are also being targeted for their contributions to the regime's ballistic missile program. Additionally, they are being penalized for financing what the department describes as the regime's malign activities.
The list of organizations returned to the sanctions list includes several major state-backed entities. They are the Nuclear Fuel Production and Procurement Company, the Nuclear Reactors Fuel Company, Kala Naft, and the Naftiran Intertrade Company.
Other energy giants included in the measures are the National Iranian Oil Company and the National Iranian Tanker Company. The financial sector is also heavily represented, with sanctions applied to Bank Mellat, Bank Melli Iran, the Bank of Industry and Mine, and the Export Development Bank of Iran. The Iran Insurance Company is the final entity on the list.
Under the new rules, individuals in Canada and Canadians residing abroad are prohibited from engaging in financial or property transactions with these 11 entities. This announcement marks the 25th round of sanctions against the Iranian regime. In total, the government said the measures now target 237 Iranian citizens and 276 Iranian organizations.
