Canada reimposed sanctions against 11 Iranian entities on Tuesday over concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear program and Tehran’s refusal to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Foreign Minister Anita Anand confirmed.
Sanctions against the entities, which include Iranian nuclear procurement companies, oil companies, and banks, were previously lifted in 2016 “in recognition of Iran’s progress under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA),” according to Canada’s foreign ministry.
Canada, Iran, the US, the EU, and other countries agreed to the JCPOA in 2015 after Iran failed to meet obligations related to its nuclear commitments.
Under the JCPOA, Tehran agreed to be subject to restrictions on its nuclear program and enhanced IAEA verification in exchange for the relaxation of sanctions.
Iran found to be violating JCPOA terms, not cooperating with IAEA
Despite initially complying with the terms of the JCPOA, in June 2025, the IAEA found that Iran was not fully complying with the terms.
When the US and Israel launched strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities in July 2025, Iran suspended cooperation with the IAEA and prevented the nuclear watchdog from fulfilling verification and monitoring duties.
The non-compliance and continued production of enriched uranium triggered the reinstatement of UN sanctions, eventually leading to Canada also reinstating some sanctions.