In parallel, diplomatic discussions have been held between Iran and the 'E3/EU+3' (France, UK, Germany and the EU+ the USA, Russia and China) on the nuclear-proliferation issue. These have led to an agreement on a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on 14 July 2015. The EU will be involved throughout the implementation process of this plan, including the progressive lifting of nuclear-related sanctions against the country.
Measures targeting nuclear proliferation activities
UN sanctions
Since 2006, the UN Security Council has adopted a number of resolutions requiring Iran to stop enriching uranium with nuclear proliferation purposes. These resolutions were progressively accompanied by restrictive measures to persuade Iran to comply.
The EU implements UN sanctions through the adoption of EU legislation.
On 20 July 2015, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2231(2015) regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), agreed by Iran and the 'E3/EU+3'. This resolution endorsed the JCPOA, allowed for certain exemptions to existing restrictive measures and defined the schedule and commitments to be undertaken by all parties to lead to the termination of restrictive measures against Iran.
On 20 July 2015, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2231(2015) regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), agreed by Iran and the 'E3/EU+3'. This resolution endorsed the JCPOA, allowed for certain exemptions to existing restrictive measures and defined the schedule and commitments to be undertaken by all parties to lead to the termination of restrictive measures against Iran.
Measures targeting nuclear proliferation activities - key developments
16/01/2016
Council lifts all nuclear-related economic and financial EU sanctions against Iran
14/01/2016
Council extends the suspension of certain EU restrictive measures
18/10/2015
Council adopts the legal acts to prepare for the lifting of all nuclear-related economic and financial EU sanctions
31/07/2015
EU starts implementing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
20/07/2015
UN Security Council resolution 2231 (2015) and Council conclusions
On 16 January 2016 (Implementation Day), the UN lifted certain of its nuclear-related restrictive measures, as set by Resolution 2231 (2015).
EU sanctions
In addition to implementing UN sanctions, during the past decade the EU imposed a wide range of autonomous economic and financial sanctions on Iran, including:- restrictions on trade in several goods: prohibition to export to Iran arms, dual-use goods and goods which could be used in enrichment-related activities; prohibition to import crude oil, natural gas, petrochemical and petroleum products; prohibition to sell or supply key equipment used in the energy sector, gold, other precious metals and diamonds, certain naval equipment, certain software, etc.
- restrictions in the financial sector: freezing the assets of the Central Bank of Iran and major Iranian commercial banks, laying down notification and authorisation mechanisms for transfers of funds above certain amounts to Iranian financial institutions
- measures in the transport sector: preventing access to EU airports of Iranian cargo flights, prohibition of maintenance and service of Iranian cargo aircraft or vessels carrying prohibited materials or goods
- travel restrictions and asset freeze imposed against other listed persons and entities
On 16 January 2016 (Implementation Day of the agreement), the Council lifted all nuclear-related economic and financial EU sanctions against Iran. However, some restrictions remain in force.
Measures responding to serious human rights violations
Since 2011, the EU has also adopted restrictive measures related with violations of human rights including:- asset freeze and visa bans on persons and entities responsible for grave human rights violations
- ban on exports to Iran of equipment which might be used for internal repression and of equipment for monitoring telecommunications
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