Canada has announced sanctions on Iran, claiming the reason behind this move is the threat of “nuclear proliferation” to regional and international security.
It’s worth noting that the United Nations sanctions related to Iranian ballistic missiles under the terms of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (the Iran Nuclear Deal) expired on October 18.
On Tuesday, the European Union, just a day before this expiration date, issued a press release stating its intention to maintain these sanctions because it believes that Tehran is not abiding by the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
According to the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Canada will continue to enforce sanctions under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which expired on October 18.
The Canadian statement read that with ongoing concerns about Iran’s nuclear program, Canada is taking these measures in coordination with the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States to exert pressure on the Iranian regime regarding its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, as well as the proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles.
According to the statement, this package targets 18 individuals and 56 entities involved in activities that promote or support or finance or facilitate or may facilitate Iran’s nuclear activities.
Sanctions include senior current or former officials of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and related organizations.
In 2015, Britain, Germany, China, Russia, the US, France, and Iran reached the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which involved lifting sanctions in exchange for restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program.
In May 2018, the United States, under the administration of Donald Trump, withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and reinstated sanctions against Tehran.
In response, Iran announced a gradual reduction of its commitments under the agreement, including the lifting of restrictions on nuclear research, centrifuges, and uranium enrichment levels.
