Human rights in Iran: Council extends sanctions regime until April 2027 15:03 The Council extended EU restrictive measures responding to serious human rights violations in Iran[...]

The Council today decided to extend EU restrictive measures responding to serious human rights violations in Iran until 13 April 2027.

These measures consist of a travel ban and an asset freeze, and a ban on exports to Iran of equipment which might be used for internal repression and of equipment for monitoring telecommunications. In addition, EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to the listed individuals and entities.

In the context of the sanctions' review, the Council also decided not to renew the listing of one deceased individual. The list now comprises a total of 262 individuals and 53 entities.

Background

The EU first introduced a regime for serious human rights abuses and violations in Iran in 2011, and has extended it ever since on an annual basis. Since 2022, the EU has drastically increased restrictive measures, adopting multiple packages of sanctions in the context of growing concerns.

On 9 January 2026, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy issued a statement on behalf of the EU, condemning the use of violence, arbitrary detention and intimidation tactics by security forces against demonstrators. She also called for all individuals unjustly detained for exercising their fundamental rights to be released immediately and urged Iranian authorities to adhere to Iran's international obligations and fully uphold the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, as well as for ensuring the right of access to information, including by restoring access to the internet for all.

The EU strongly supports the fundamental aspirations of the people of Iran for a future where their universal human rights and fundamental freedoms are fully respected, protected and fulfilled.

• Council Regulation (EU) No 359/2011 of 12 April 2011 concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Iran (Consolidated text 29 January 2026)
• Iran: statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the situation in the country (press release, 9 January 2026)
• EU sanctions against Iran (background information)
• Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on developments in the Middle East (press release, 1 March 2026)