What are all the sanctions Iran is under?

Iran is one of the most heavily sanctioned countries in the world, facing overlapping restrictions imposed by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United Nations.

The country has faced an onslaught of sanctions regimes since 1979, some of which have been reimposed at various times since then.

The measures target everything from its oil exports and banking system to its nuclear and missile programmes, military activities and senior officials.

UN sanctions were officially reimposed against Iran in September 2025 when France, Germany and the United Kingdom triggered the “snapback” mechanism under UN Security Council Resolution 2231. This reinstated six previous UNSC resolutions which had imposed sanctions targeting Iran’s nuclear and military programmes.

Arms embargo: The UN banned the transfer of conventional arms to and from Iran.

Nuclear and uranium enrichment : A ban on the sale or supply of materials, equipment, goods and technology which could contribute to these programmes.

Ballistic missiles: Restrictions on activities linked to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons.

Finance and trade: Asset freezes and controls on trade linked to Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes.