Iran Endures Broad Sanctions from UN, US, EU and UK Across Multiple Sectors

Since 1979 Iran has faced a layered sanctions regime that now includes coordinated measures from the United Nations, United States, European Union and United Kingdom. The UN re-imposed six resolutions in September 2025, covering an arms embargo, bans on nuclear and uranium enrichment supplies, restrictions on ballistic-missile activities, finance and trade controls, and targeted sanctions on individuals and entities. The United States, through the Treasury’s OFAC, has launched a broad trade embargo, secondary sanctions on foreign firms dealing with Iran, sectoral bans on energy and shipping, and has frozen billions of dollars in Iranian assets while designating IRGC members as global terrorists.

The EU enforces bans on nuclear-related technology, oil and petroleum products, dual-use goods, and financial transactions with prohibited banks, alongside an arms embargo. The United Kingdom mirrors these restrictions, adding sanctions on human-rights abusers and maritime sectors. Other nations such as Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Norway and Switzerland have adopted similar measures, primarily focused on Iran’s nuclear program and human-rights record.