The measures, announced by London on September 8, took effect on Tuesday under amendments to the UK’s Iran sanctions regulations.
The new restrictions cover sectors, including energy, oil, and petroleum products, natural gas, petrochemicals, maritime activities, gold, precious metals, diamonds, software, and technology. They also expand restrictions on related services and transactions.
Under the measures, Iranian aircraft are prohibited from landing in the UK, except where exemptions apply. London has also expanded its powers to sanction ships linked to Iran’s nuclear program and what it calls destabilizing activities.
Stephen Doughty, Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan, said the financial measures would further reduce Iran’s ability to access the UK financial system and raise funds in support of its nuclear program.
The Islamic Republic has repeatedly deemed the policy of pressure, threats, and sanctions inconsistent with Western countries’ claims of promoting diplomacy, emphasizing that such measures not only fail to help resolve disputes but further undermine the atmosphere for dialogue.
