(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations are made under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (c.13) to establish a sanctions regime under that Act relating to nuclear activities in Iran. These Regulations are made for the purpose of complying with United Nations obligations and for the purposes of: encouraging Iran to abandon nuclear weapons programmes; restricting the ability of Iran to develop nuclear weapons and nuclear weapons delivery systems; and promoting implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action agreed by Iran and others in 2015.

Following the UK's withdrawal from the European Union, these Regulations will replace the corresponding EU sanctions regime which is currently implemented via an EU Council Decision and Regulation.

These Regulations provide that persons who are listed by the UN are designated persons in the UK. The Regulations also confer a power on the Secretary of State to designate further persons who are, or have been, involved in activities related to the proliferation or development of nuclear weapons or nuclear weapons delivery systems in relation to Iran. Designated persons are excluded from the United Kingdom and are subject to financial sanctions, including having their funds and economic resources frozen.

These Regulations also impose trade restrictions in relation to specified goods and technology which are relevant to nuclear activities. They include military items and items on lists published by the UN and the International Atomic Energy Agency.