Written Ministerial Statement: Iran Sanctions, 8 September 2026

The Minister for the Middle East, Stephen Doughty MP, announced new legislation to address Iranian nuclear activity and other hostile actions. The UK highlights Iran’s lack of transparency and repeated failure to address international concerns regarding its nuclear programme. Iran has expanded its enrichment activities, including accumulating over 400kg of uranium enriched to 60%, a level unprecedented for a non-nuclear-weapon state. The UK previously implemented snapback sanctions in October 2025 and designated 71 individuals and entities linked to Iran’s nuclear sector.

The new regulations, laid today, amend existing sanctions to reintroduce sectoral measures similar to those lifted under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Financial restrictions will further limit Iran’s access to the UK financial system, while trade prohibitions are expanded to include energy, software, metals, gold, and related services. Additional goods and technology supporting Iran’s conventional weapons and nuclear capabilities are also prohibited under the updated measures.

The legislation introduces a ban on Iranian aircraft landing in the UK, with limited exemptions, and expands powers to sanction ships involved in facilitating Iran’s nuclear programme or destabilising activities. These measures align with existing policies targeting Iran’s malign behaviour and proliferation risks. The UK underscores its commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons through strengthened sanctions.

Sanctions mitigations include general licences to maintain critical energy supplies, such as the Shah Deniz gas field in Azerbaijan, which supports European partners. The UK reaffirms its support for a diplomatic solution to ensure Iran never develops a nuclear weapon, while maintaining pressure through sanctions to address compliance failures.