CANADA (SOR/2023-1)January 18, 2023

The Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations: SOR/2023-1 is a set of regulations issued by the Canadian government in response to the actions of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The regulations state that the government believes the actions of Iran constitute a grave breach of international peace and security and have resulted or are likely to result in a serious international crisis. The regulations also state that the government believes gross and systematic human rights violations have been committed in Iran.

These regulations, which were published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, Volume 157, Number 2 on January 6, 2023, amend the existing sanctions against Iran that were first imposed between 2006 and 2010 in response to its nuclear program. The amendments, which were made on the recommendation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, include the addition of: 15 Khordad Foundation, Iran Newspaper, Press Supervisory Board, Vahid Yaminpour (born in 1980) and Mohsen Ghomi (born in 1960) to the list of individuals and entities targeted by the sanctions.

The regulatory amendments align with the existing policy and objectives of the Canadian government to maintain pressure on Iran to change its behavior and to reinforce Canada’s commitment to holding Iran accountable for its actions at home and abroad. The sanctions are intended to increase pressure on Iran to cease its egregious behavior with respect to human rights violations and to publicly reaffirm Canada’s commitment to hold Iran accountable for its activities both domestically and internationally.

It’s worth noting that these sanctions are in addition to Canada’s existing sanctions on Iran, which were expanded in 2016 to include restrictions on sensitive goods related to nuclear proliferation and the development of Iran’s ballistic missile program, as well as sanctions on individuals and entities. Additionally, in 2012, Canada designated Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism under the State Immunity Act. This allows victims to bring civil action against Iran for losses or damages from an act of terrorism linked to Iran committed anywhere in the world.