The Australian Government has announced new targeted sanctions on five Iranian individuals and three entities in response to Iran’s destabilising activities in the Middle East. The sanctions are aimed at senior officials and organizations contributing to the development of Iran’s missile and UAV programs, which have been linked to regional instability.
Among those sanctioned are Iran’s Defence Minister, Mohammad Reza Ashtiani, and Brigadier General Esmail Qaani, Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) Qods Force. The IRGC has been identified as a significant threat to international security and internal stability within Iran. The sanctioned individuals and entities also include Iranian businesspeople and companies involved in missile and UAV technology proliferation.
One of the targeted entities is the IRGC Navy, which recently seized an Israeli-linked civilian vessel flying the Portuguese flag in international waters on 13 April 2024. The Australian Government has called for the immediate release of the ship and its crew.
These sanctions are part of a broader effort by the Albanese Government, which has now sanctioned a total of 90 Iranian-linked individuals and 100 entities. This move aligns with similar measures taken by Australia’s international partners, particularly in response to Iran’s recent drone and missile attack on Israel in April.
The Australian Government remains committed to strategically applying pressure on Iran to curb its disruptive actions and comply with international law.
Historical Context of Australian Sanctions on Iran
Australia’s history of imposing sanctions on Iran is extensive and has evolved over the years in response to various provocations and international security concerns.
- 2006-2015: Sanctions Following Nuclear Proliferation Concerns
- Australia implemented sanctions as part of international efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear program. These sanctions included restrictions on financial transactions, travel bans on key individuals, and limitations on trade in goods related to uranium enrichment.
- 2018: Re-imposition of Sanctions
- Following the U.S. withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Australia reinstated certain sanctions on Iran, targeting sectors such as oil, finance, and shipping.
- 2020: Human Rights Violations
- Australia imposed additional sanctions on Iranian officials and entities in response to human rights abuses, including the crackdown on protests and the imprisonment of dual nationals.
- In March 2023, Australia imposed Magnitsky-style sanctions on 14 Iranian individuals and 14 entities over human rights violations, including members of the morality police involved in the death of Mahsa Amini.
- In September 2023, Australia added further sanctions on 4 individuals and 3 entities involved in oppressing women and girls in Iran, nearly a year after Amini’s death.
- The sanctions target Iranian officials, law enforcement, military, media outlets like Press TV, and entities involved in internet censorship and surveillance.
- Australia has also sanctioned 13 Iranians and 1 entity for supplying drones to Russia for use against Ukraine, demonstrating consequences for supporting Russia’s invasion.
- These measures are part of Australia’s autonomous sanctions regime against Iran over its nuclear program, human rights abuses, and support for Russia’s aggression.
