EU adds businessman, energy group to Iran sanctions list

BRUSSELS, July 30, 2026 — The European Union expanded sanctions targeting support for Iran’s government and proliferation-sensitive nuclear activity, adding a businessman tied to oil-derived fund transfers and a major energy group.

Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1883 added Ali Ansari and MAPNA Group to the Iran list under Regulation (EU) No 267/2012. The regulation took effect upon publication in the EU’s Official Journal and is directly applicable across member states. A parallel Council decision made the same additions under the bloc’s foreign-policy framework.

Ansari, also identified as Ali Akbar Ansari, is an Iranian businessman and former owner of Bank Ayandeh and Iran Mall. The council said he uses foreign banking channels and a network of companies to transfer funds abroad, partly from Iranian oil sales. It also linked him to purchases of substantial assets, including real estate in the EU and U.K., on behalf of people connected to Iran’s leadership.

MAPNA Group operates in Iran’s energy, oil and gas sector and is owned or controlled by the EU-listed Ministry of Energy, the council said. Its work with state bodies in oil and gas exploration contributes to revenues allocated in part to Iran’s armed forces, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and the Organisation of Defensive Innovation and Research. The group was also listed for supporting proliferation-sensitive nuclear activities.

The additions follow the EU’s September 2025 reimposition of autonomous Iran measures that had been suspended or terminated under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.