Canada imposes new Iran sanctions on four senior officials

What Canada announced

Global Affairs Canada said Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced additional sanctions against four individuals under the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations.

The government said the four individuals are Iranian senior officials and were involved in “gross and systematic human rights violations” in Iran, and had a significant role in facilitating and directing repressive policies.

Individuals named

Global Affairs Canada listed the following individuals:

• Mohsen Karimi
• Ahmad Kadem Seyedoshohada
• Mustafa Mohebbi
• Hassan Akharian

Context cited by the government

The release said Iran continues to crack down on protests and dissent in violation of international human rights obligations. It said security forces, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, have used excessive and lethal force to suppress protests and to restrict rights including freedom of opinion and expression and peaceful assembly and association.

It also cited reports from human rights organizations and United Nations experts documenting violations including beatings, arbitrary arrests and torture, including of those in custody.

Broader sanctions tally

Global Affairs Canada said this announcement marks Canada’s 18th round of sanctions since October 2022 against Iranian officials and entities it says are responsible for human rights violations.

The release said that with these measures Canada has sanctioned more than 210 Iranian individuals and 254 Iranian entities.

UN resolution reference

The government said the announcement coincides with Canada’s leadership, for the 23rd consecutive year, of the United Nations General Assembly resolution on the human rights situation in Iran.