Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Iran Sanctions

13 October 2025 · Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Proposed by Yvette Cooper Lab Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley

Foreign Affairs

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

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At a glance

Key points

  • The UK triggered the snapback mechanism at the UN Security Council due to Iran's violation of the JCPoA limits.
  • The UK updated domestic legislation to reapply UN sanctions against Iran.
  • The UK plans to introduce further sectoral sanctions targeting various Iranian industries contributing to nuclear escalation.

Issue summary

The UK has triggered the snapback mechanism at the UN Security Council due to Iran's violation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) limits, leading to the reinstatement of UN sanctions.

Action requested

The UK has updated domestic legislation to reapply UN designations and measures against Iran. The government also intends to introduce further sectoral sanctions targeting finance, energy, trade, shipping, software, and other industries contributing to Iranian nuclear escalation.

Key facts

  • Iran escalated its nuclear programme beyond JCPoA limits since 2019.
  • As of June, Iran has over 440kg of 60% enriched uranium.
  • The E3 triggered the snapback mechanism on August 28, initiating a 30-day process before UN sanctions were re-applied.
  • Six previously terminated UN Security Council resolutions were reinstated on September 28.
  • On October 1, UK legislation was updated to reflect these designations and measures.
  • The Government has designated 71 individuals and entities linked to Iran’s nuclear programme, including financial institutions, energy companies, and facilitators of the programme.
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