Minister Anand announces additional sanctions against Iranian individuals and entities
September 23, 2026 – New York City, New York – Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing additional sanctions against five individuals and five entities under the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations for their role in the Iranian regime’s brutal repression of its population.
These sanctions target senior Iranian security and government officials, as well as state-directed entities, involved in digital repression and other serious and systematic human rights violations. These individuals and entities have contributed to Iran’s efforts to suppress dissent and restrict fundamental freedoms of Iran’s population, including through digital surveillance, censorship, unlawful violence, arbitrary detention and intimidation.
The Iranian regime continues to control the flow of information and restrict freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly, including by developing and using cyber infrastructure to monitor and target Iranian individuals who express dissenting views toward the regime.
The measures announced today align with those taken by like-minded partners and contribute to coordinated international efforts to increase pressure on Iran for its persistent disregard for human rights.
Today’s announcement coincides with the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Since 2003, Canada has led the UN General Assembly resolution on human rights in Iran, drawing international attention to these ongoing violations and pressing for meaningful change.
Quotes
“Canada is using every tool at its disposal, including targeted sanctions, to respond to the Iranian regime’s abhorrent conduct—from threatening international peace and security to committing pervasive human rights violations. My message to the Iranian people is clear: Canada stands firmly with you in your pursuit of human rights, dignity and a better future.”
– Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Quick facts
- In February 2026, Canada announced sanctions against seven individuals under the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations for their participation in destabilization activities and transnational repression targeting Iranian dissidents and human rights defenders.
- With today’s announcement, Canada has imposed 24 rounds of sanctions since October 2022 against 237 Iranian individuals and 265 Iranian entities under the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations, Special Economic Measures (Hamas Terrorist Attacks) Regulations, Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations and Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act.
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