After the United States, Britain tightens a new set of sanctions on Iran

Britain and the United States have moved together to tighten pressure on Iran, targeting its finances, trade and aviation sector as concerns over Tehran’s nuclear program continue to grow.

The British government has introduced a new sanctions bill following the restoration of United Nations sanctions on Iran last year. It would further restrict Tehran’s access to the British financial system, extend existing bans to more goods, technologies and services, and prohibit Iranian aircraft from landing in Britain except in specified cases.

The bill would also give London broader powers to act against vessels linked to Iran. If Parliament approves it, Britain would restore restrictions on sectors that had previously been eased under the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement. London says the measures will make it harder for Tehran to raise funds and obtain goods and technology that could be used in its nuclear program.

Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty said the bill was intended to increase pressure to "constrain Iran’s nuclear ambitions" and help ensure that Tehran cannot obtain nuclear weapons. Iran’s embassy in London had not responded to a request for comment. Britain, France and Germany activated the so-called snapback mechanism in August 2025, allowing United Nations sanctions previously lifted under the nuclear agreement to return.

On the same day, Washington sanctioned 27 Iranian airlines and several foreign companies supporting Iran’s aviation industry. The United States said the action covered 36 targets and would nearly cut the sector off from international markets over allegations that Tehran uses aviation to move weapons, personnel and illicit goods. Iran says its nuclear activities are peaceful. Britain is nevertheless allowing Azerbaijan’s Shah Deniz gas field, operated by BP, to continue operating because it contributes to Europe’s energy supply, despite Iran’s stake in the consortium.

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constrain Iran’s nuclear ambitions