Iran sanctions: Two people, three entities added

Summary#

These final regulations change the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations to add two named people and three named organizations to Canada’s sanctions list. The changes took effect on January 6, 2023 and prohibit Canadians and people in Canada from dealing with the newly listed parties.

What it does#

• Adds the following entities to the sanctions list:
  • The 15 Khordad Foundation
  • Iran Newspaper
  • Press Supervisory Board
• Adds the following individuals to the sanctions list:
  • Vahid Yaminpour (born 1980)
  • Mohsen Ghomi (born 1960)
• Anyone in Canada, and Canadian individuals and companies abroad, are banned from:
  • dealing in the property of the listed persons or entities;
  • entering into transactions with them;
  • providing services to them; or
  • otherwise making goods available to them.
• The names will be added to the Consolidated Canadian Autonomous Sanctions List so banks and others can check them.
• Enforcement is carried out by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canada Border Services Agency. Penalties for knowingly breaking the rules include a fine up to $25,000 or jail up to one year on summary conviction, or imprisonment up to five years on indictment.

Who's affected#

• The two people and three organizations that were named by the regulation.
• Financial institutions, especially banks, because they must screen accounts and transactions against the updated sanctions list.
• Canadian businesses and individuals who might previously have had dealings with the listed persons or entities — they must stop or avoid transactions.
• It is unclear how many direct commercial links the newly listed parties have with Canada; the government says those links are likely limited, so widespread economic impact is not expected.

Why it matters#

• These are targeted sanctions meant to pressure Iranian officials and state-linked bodies accused of serious human-rights abuses and spreading state propaganda. The listings are part of Canada’s response to recent human-rights concerns in Iran, including events that followed the death of Mahsa Amini.
• For most people in Canada, the change will have little day-to-day effect. For banks, compliance teams and any Canadians who had ties to the listed parties, it matters because of the legal ban on transactions and the need to update screening systems.
• The move signals Canada’s intent to act with allies to hold specific individuals and entities accountable for actions the government says undermine human rights and international peace and security.