Source: European Parliament
The EU policy vis-à-vis Iran is outlined in the Council conclusions of December 2022[1] and is complemented by the European Council conclusions of March 2024[2], April 2024[3] and October 2024[4].
EU Foreign Ministers discussed Iran in the Council most recently in March 2025 under the chairmanship of the High Representative/Vice-President.
The EU will use all tools at its disposal to react to issues of concern with Iran, including the adoption of new restrictive measures (‘sanctions’), which are decided by the Council of the European Union.
The EU has listed more than 500 Iran-related individuals and entities under different sanctions regimes[5]. Those sanctioned are subject to a travel ban (individuals) and an asset freeze (both individuals and entities).
Moreover, EU individuals and entities are prohibited from making funds or economic resources available to those listed. Finally, a number of sectoral restrictions apply, which prevent Iranian individuals and entities from procuring certain sensitive items[6].
At the same time, the EU is committed to avoiding and mitigating any potential unintended impacts of EU sanctions on humanitarian action. Food, medicine and other emergency supplies do not fall under EU sanctions.
- [1] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2022/12/12/iran-council-approves-conclusions/
- [2] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/70880/euco-conclusions-2122032024.pdf
- [3] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2024/04/18/european-council-conclusions-on-ukraine-and-turkiye/
- [4] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/2pebccz2/20241017-euco-conclusions-en.pdf
- [5] E.g. Restrictive measures in view of Iran’s military support to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and to armed groups and entities in the Middle East and the Red Sea region; restrictive measures in relation to the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; restrictive measures in relation to serious human rights violations in Iran; restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.
- [6] E.g. An embargo on equipment which may be used for internal repression and on equipment that may be used to monitor or intercept the Internet and telephone communications on mobile or fixed networks; the arms embargo, restrictive measures related to missile technology, restrictions on certain nuclear-related transfers and activities, and provisions concerning certain metals and software which are subject to an authorisation regime.