UK publishes legislation for tougher sanctions on Iran over nuclear programme

UK Publishes New Legislation for Tougher Sanctions on Iran's Nuclear Activity

Overview of the New Sanctions and Their Implications

Introduction to the Legislation

LONDON, Sept 8 (Reuters) - Britain on Tuesday published legislation to introduce tougher sanctions on Iran, expanding trade restrictions and powers to target ships as part of what it described as a wider effort to curb Tehran's nuclear programme and other hostile activities.

Key Measures and Restrictions

Financial and Trade Restrictions

The government said the measures would restrict Iran's access to the British financial system, broaden trade bans to include more goods, technology and services, and prohibit Iranian aircraft from landing in Britain unless exemptions apply.

Background and Context

The measures form part of plans the government announced last year following the reimposition of U.N. sanctions on Iran under a so-called snapback mechanism.

Restoration of Previous Sanctions

The British legislation, once approved by parliament, would restore a range of sectoral restrictions lifted under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and further limit Iran's ability to raise funds and procure goods and technology linked to its nuclear programme.

Government Statements and International Response

Official Comments

Stephen Doughty, a Foreign Office minister, said in a written statement that the legislation "doubles down on our action to constrain Iran's nuclear ambitions" and would help ensure Iran was never able to acquire a nuclear weapon.

Iran's embassy in London did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

International Actions and Reactions

Britain, France and Germany triggered the snapback process in August last year after saying Tehran had failed to address concerns about its nuclear programme, leading to the reimposition of U.N. sanctions and further British measures against individuals and entities linked to the programme.

The United States and Israel launched military strikes on Iran in February partly due to concerns over Tehran's nuclear programme.

Iran's Position and Nuclear Activities

Iran's Claims

Iran says its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes. But Doughty said Iran had accumulated more than 400 kg (882 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60% purity and was the only country without nuclear weapons to have enriched uranium to that level.

Exemptions and Economic Considerations

Energy Sector Carve-Outs

Doughty also said the measures would not affect Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz gas field, which helps supply European energy markets. The legislation includes licences allowing the BP-operated project to keep running despite an Iranian stake in the consortium. Britain said the carve-out would match similar exemptions used by the U.S. and EU.

Reporting Credits

(Reporting by Sam Tabahriti and Sam Tobin; Additional reporting by Sarah Young; Editing by William James and Hugh Lawson)