UK lays legislation for further sanctions targeting Iran’s nuclear and hostile activities
The UK Government has laid legislation expanding financial, trade, transport and shipping sanctions on Iran.
The UK Government has laid legislation introducing further sectoral sanctions on Iran, targeting its nuclear programme and what it describes as other hostile Iranian activity.
The Iran (Sanctions) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 amend two existing sets of regulations: the Iran (Sanctions) Regulations 2023 and the Iran (Sanctions) (Nuclear) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019. The Government says the new sectoral measures broadly restore restrictions that were lifted under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
Financial measures will further limit the Government of Iran’s access to the UK financial system and its ability to raise funds in support of its nuclear programme, according to the statement.
The legislation expands trade prohibitions to additional goods, technology and services. The sectors listed include energy, software, metals and gold, as well as related activities such as shipping, insurance and banking. The export of additional goods and technology considered key to Iran’s conventional weapons and nuclear capabilities will also be prohibited.
Iranian aircraft will be barred from landing in the UK unless certain exemptions apply. The measure follows existing designations and the termination of the UK’s bilateral air services arrangements with Iran in 2024.
The regulations also further expand the UK’s powers to sanction ships. The Government says this will strengthen its ability to target vessels enabling or facilitating Iran’s nuclear programme and what it calls malign and destabilising behaviour.
The statement says sanctions legislation includes carefully designed mitigations. These include general licences for the continued operation of the Shah Deniz gas field in Azerbaijan, which the Government says provides critical energy supplies to European partners. It says the approach continues long-standing policy and aligns with similar exemptions in the European Union and United States.
The Government says Iran has accumulated more than 400kg of uranium enriched to 60% and remains in significant non-compliance with international safeguards obligations. It says a negotiated outcome is the only long-term solution and that it remains committed to a diplomatic settlement ensuring Iran never develops a nuclear weapon.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Stephen Doughty MP, 8 September 2026.
Key takeaways
- The Government has laid the Iran (Sanctions) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 before Parliament.
- The regulations expand financial and trade prohibitions covering sectors including energy, software, metals, gold, shipping, insurance and banking.
- Iranian aircraft will be prohibited from landing in the UK unless specified exemptions apply.
- The legislation includes sanctions mitigations, including general licences for the Shah Deniz gas field in Azerbaijan.
FAQ
What legislation has been laid?
The Government has laid The Iran (Sanctions) (Amendment) Regulations 2026. They amend the Iran (Sanctions) Regulations 2023 and the Iran (Sanctions) (Nuclear) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.
What financial and trade measures are included?
Financial measures are intended to reduce Iran’s access to the UK financial system and its ability to raise funds for its nuclear programme. Trade prohibitions are extended to additional goods, technology and services, including those linked to energy, software, metals, gold, shipping, insurance and banking.
Will Iranian aircraft be allowed to land in the UK?
Iranian aircraft will be prohibited from landing in the UK unless certain exemptions apply.
Are there exemptions or mitigations?
The legislation includes sanctions mitigations. These include general licences allowing the continued operation of the Shah Deniz gas field in Azerbaijan.