EU Extends Iran Human Rights Sanctions Until April 2027

EU Council Press Releases

Published March 30th, 2026

Detected March 30th, 2026

Summary

The Council of the EU extended its human rights sanctions regime against Iran until 13 April 2027. The measures include travel bans, asset freezes, and export restrictions on equipment used for internal repression and telecommunications monitoring. The consolidated list now contains 262 individuals and 53 entities.

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What changed

The Council extended EU restrictive measures targeting serious human rights violations in Iran, maintaining travel bans, asset freezes, and prohibitions on making funds available to listed individuals and entities. The export ban covers equipment for internal repression and telecommunications monitoring. One deceased individual was removed from the list during the review, leaving 262 individuals and 53 entities subject to sanctions.

EU companies and citizens must ensure compliance with the extended sanctions regime by 13 April 2027. All funds and economic resources belonging to listed persons must remain frozen, and no equipment covered by the export restrictions may be supplied. Companies should review their due diligence procedures to ensure no transactions or dealings with listed parties.

What to do next

Review export control procedures for any Iran-bound shipments of surveillance or repression equipment
Conduct enhanced due diligence on counterparties to confirm no connections to listed individuals or entities
Update sanctions compliance policies to reflect the extended regime through April 2027

Penalties

Non-compliance with EU sanctions may result in criminal prosecution, fines, and imprisonment under member state implementing legislation

Source document (simplified)

Council of the EU
Press release
30 March 2026 15:03

Human rights in Iran: Council extends sanctions regime until April 2027

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.

Press contacts

Maria Daniela Lenzu Press officer
+32 470 88 04 02
+32 2 281 21 46
@daniela_lenzu If you are not a journalist, please send your request to the public information service.

Topics
- Foreign affairs
- Sanctions
- Middle East and North Africa

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Named provisions

Restrictive Measures - Travel Ban Restrictive Measures - Asset Freeze Export Restrictions - Internal Repression Equipment Export Restrictions - Telecommunications Monitoring Equipment