Five individuals added to Iran sanctions list

Summary#

The Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations (SOR/2026-179) add 5 people to Canada’s Iran sanctions list. The changes took effect on August 13, 2026 and bar Canadians from dealing with the newly listed individuals and their property.

What it does#

• Adds the following people to Schedule 1 of the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations:
  • Ali Abdollahi (born 1959) (also known as Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi)
  • Ebrahim Zolfaghari
  • Ebrahim Azizi (born June 22, 1963)
  • Hamid Hosseini
  • Shahram Irani (born 1967)
• Prohibits anyone in Canada, and Canadian citizens abroad, from dealing with the listed persons’ property, entering transactions with them, providing services to them, or otherwise making goods or funds available to them.
• Makes the listed individuals inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).
• Notes criminal and administrative penalties for breaking the rules: summary convictions can carry a fine of up to $25,000 or up to 1 year in jail (or both); indictable convictions can carry up to 5 years in prison.

Who's affected#

• The primary people affected are the 5 individuals named above.
• Their financial assets, business ties and travel to Canada are the immediate targets of the measures.
• Canadian banks and other financial institutions must update screening and compliance systems to block prohibited dealings.
• Federal agencies that enforce sanctions and immigration rules — including Global Affairs Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the Canada Border Services Agency — will carry out enforcement and record updates.
• According to the government, Canadian businesses and the public are expected to see minimal direct impact because these individuals have limited known commercial links with Canada.

Why it matters#

• These are targeted sanctions designed to increase pressure on Iranian individuals linked to actions that Canada says have disrupted freedom of navigation around the Strait of Hormuz.
• In practical terms, the listed people will face restrictions on accessing money, services and travel related to Canada.
• For most Canadians the effect is small: a minor compliance task for banks and the agencies that enforce sanctions, and a diplomatic signal that Canada is aligning with international partners responding to the disruptions in the Gulf.
• If you work in banking, international trade compliance, or immigration, you may need to check updated sanctions lists and screening systems.