The United Kingdom has published new legislation aimed at tightening sanctions on Iran, expanding restrictions on trade, finance and shipping over concerns about Tehran’s nuclear programme and other activities.
The measures, announced on Tuesday, would restrict Iran’s access to the UK financial system, extend trade bans to additional goods, technologies and services, and prevent Iranian aircraft from landing in Britain except where exemptions apply.
The legislation still requires approval by Parliament before it can take effect.
The British government said the measures form part of its response to the reimposition of United Nations sanctions on Iran under the so-called snapback mechanism.
If approved, the legislation would restore several sectoral restrictions that were lifted under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and further limit Iran’s ability to obtain financing, goods and technology linked to its nuclear programme.
Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty said the measures would “double down” on Britain’s efforts to restrict Iran’s nuclear ambitions and prevent the country from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
Britain, France and Germany triggered the snapback process in August 2025, accusing Tehran of failing to address international concerns over its nuclear activities.
The move led to the reimposition of UN sanctions and additional measures by Britain.
The latest legislation comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and Western countries.
The United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran in February, partly over concerns about its nuclear programme.
Iran maintains that its nuclear activities are intended for peaceful purposes.
Doughty said Iran had accumulated more than 400 kilogrammes of uranium enriched to 60% purity, noting that it was the only country without nuclear weapons known to have enriched uranium to that level.
The UK government said the new sanctions would not affect Azerbaijan’s Shah Deniz gas field, which supplies European energy markets.
A special exemption would allow the BP-operated project to continue operating despite Iran holding a stake in the consortium.
Britain said the exemption is consistent with similar arrangements adopted by the United States and European Union.
