Today’s Backgrounder and news release , as well as a summarized version of Global Affairs Canada’s Iran sanctions page:

Here is a summary of the new sanctions announced by the Canadian government, followed by an overview of Canada’s broader sanctions against Iran.

New Sanctions Announced Against Iranian Officials

Date: December 15, 2025

The Canadian government, led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand, has announced new sanctions against four senior Iranian officials. These measures are a direct response to the Iranian government’s ongoing human rights abuses, specifically its violent crackdown on protests and the repression of its own citizens.

The government cited the “gross and systematic” violation of human rights in Iran, noting that security forces—including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)—have used lethal force to silence dissent. This marks the 20th round of sanctions Canada has imposed since October 2022 to pressure the Iranian regime.

What do these sanctions do?

The new rules impose a “dealings ban” on these four individuals. In simple terms:

• Asset Freeze: Any money, property, or assets these individuals have in Canada are frozen.
• Business Ban: People in Canada (and Canadians around the world) are forbidden from doing business with them, selling them goods, or providing them with financial services.
• Travel Ban: These individuals are banned from entering Canada.

Who is being sanctioned?

The four individuals targeted are senior officials accused of directing repressive policies or managing abusive prison systems:

1. Mohsen Karimi: A Brigadier General and the Commander of the Ruhollah Corps of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
2. Ahmad Kadem Seyedoshohada: A Brigadier General and the Commander of the Karbala Operational Base of the IRGC.
3. Mustafa Mohebbi: The former Head of the State Prison Organization in Tehran Province.
4. Hassan Akharian: The Head of Ward 5 and solitary confinement at the Rajaei Shahr Prison, a facility notorious for human rights abuses.

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Canada sanctions Related to Iran

An overview of Canada’s restrictions on Iran.

Canada maintains a strict set of rules (sanctions) regarding Iran to address two main concerns: Iran’s nuclear and weapons programs, and its human rights violations. These rules come from both the United Nations (UN) and Canada’s own domestic laws.

1. Bans on Trade (Imports and Exports)

Canada strictly forbids trading certain goods with Iran.

• Nuclear & Weapons Tech: Companies cannot sell or send any technology, materials, or equipment that could be used for nuclear programs, ballistic missiles, or other weapons systems.
• Military Gear: There is a complete ban on selling arms and military equipment to Iran.
• Sensitive Goods: Canada has a specific list of goods (like certain chemicals or high-tech machinery) that cannot be exported to Iran because they might be used for military or nuclear purposes.

2. Financial Restrictions

• No Investing: Canadians are generally prohibited from investing in Iran’s nuclear industry.
• No Financial Services: Canadian banks and financial institutions cannot provide services that would help Iran develop nuclear weapons or delivery systems.

3. Targeted Sanctions on People and Companies

Canada keeps a specific list of Iranian individuals and organizations known as “Designated Persons.”

• Frozen Assets: Anyone on this list has their Canadian assets frozen.
• No Deals: It is illegal for Canadians to buy from, sell to, or handle money for anyone on this list.
• Recent “Snapback”: In late 2025, following a move by France, Germany, and the UK, the UN reimposed older, stricter sanctions (a mechanism called “snapback”) because Iran failed to meet its nuclear agreements. Canada has updated its own rules to match these stricter UN requirements.

4. Exceptions

There are minor exceptions for humanitarian reasons, such as sending food, medicine, or medical supplies to Iran, provided they don’t fall under the restricted categories.