European Union Sanctions
Following the U.N. Security Council's sanctions against Iran, the European Union began imposing sanctions on the Islamic Republic as part of the concerted international effort to pressure the regime to halt its nuclear weapons activities.
In February 2007, the Council of the European Union prohibited the sale of goods and technology that could contribute to Iran's nuclear enrichment activities and banned companies from providing technical assistance or other such services that would support Iran's nuclear program. Additionally, the legislation included measures to restrict travel and freeze funds and other economic resources of designated individuals and entities.
The legislation was amended in April 2007 adding arms and related material to the ban, and banning new grants and loans to the Government of Iran. Additional individuals and entities were also added to the list.
In 2008, an amendment was added to one of the exceptions to the Council's freezing of funds and other economic resources.
In August 2008, an additional embargo against certain goods and technology needed for nuclear enrichment in line with IAEA concerns was amended to the legislation. The amendment also called for E.U. member states to exercise vigilance over financial institutions in Europe with connections to Iran.
A November 2008 amendment added a list of banks domiciled in Iran and elsewhere subject to sanctions.
In November 2009, the list of designated individuals and entities was updated.
Council Regulation (EC) No. 423/2007
In April 2007, the Council of the European Union placed a ban on the export, sale and investment related to certain goods and technology and published a list of prohibited technology.
Council Decision of 26 July 2010
In July 2010, the Council of the European Union announced new restrictions against Iran targeting the Islamic Republic's energy, trade, transport, banking, and insurance sectors. The restrictions include prohibitions on new investments, sales, supply, or transfer of key equipment and technology to Iran's energy sector, or to Iranian companies engaged in refining, liquefied natural gas, exploration, production sectors outside Iran. Additionally, the restrictions require EU member states to inspect all suspicious cargo that travels to and from Iran.
Council Regulation (EU) No. 961/2010
On October 25, 2010, the Council of the European Union enacted its new sanctions against Iran affecting the energy, insurance, transport and financial sectors.
Council Decision 2011/235/CFSP of 12 April 2011
In April 2011, the Council of the European Union enacted measures citing those responsible for human rights violations in Iran and sanctioning them.
Council Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1245/2011
On December 1, 2011, the Council of the Eueopean Union enlarged the number of individuals and entities under sanctions for their ties to Iran's nuclear and ballistic weapons program.