Timeline - Sanctions targeting Iran's nuclear proliferation activities

The Council agreed to reimpose sanctions against Iran that had been suspended with the entry into force of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA or Iran nuclear deal) in 2015. 

The decision follows the UN Security Council’s decision not to extend the lifting of sanctions on Iran. The measures reintroduced include both those adopted by the UN Security Council since 2006 and EU autonomous measures. 

• Iran sanctions snapback: Council reimposes restrictive measures (press release, 29 September 2025)

The Council decided to take the necessary steps to maintain the restrictive measures under the EU non-proliferation regime on Iran.

The Council concluded that there are valid reasons to refrain from lifting these restrictions on Transition Day (18 October 2023), as originally envisaged under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

• Iran: Council maintains restrictive measures under the non-proliferation sanctions regime after the JCPOA Transition Day (press release, 17 October 2023)

On Implementation Day, the Council lifted all nuclear-related economic and financial EU sanctions against Iran. This follows verification by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that Iran has implemented the agreed nuclear-related measures as set out in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

• Iran: Council lifts all nuclear-related economic and financial EU sanctions
• Information note on the lifting of EU sanctions under the JCPOA

The Council extended the suspension of certain EU restrictive measures until 28 January 2016. These are the measures suspended as part of the interim agreement (Joint Plan of Action of November 2013).

• Iran: Council extends suspension of EU sanctions

The Council adopted the legal acts providing for the lifting of all nuclear-related economic and financial EU sanctions. The legal acts will take effect on Implementation Day, simultaneously with the IAEA-verified implementation by Iran of agreed nuclear-related measures.

• Council Regulation (EU) 2015/1861 of 18 October 2015 amending Regulation (EU) No 267/2012 concerning restrictive measures against Iran
• Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1862 of 18 October 2015 implementing Regulation (EU) No 267/2012 concerning restrictive measures against Iran
• Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/1863 of 18 October 2015 amending Decision 2010/413/CFSP concerning restrictive measures against Iran
• Council Declaration, 18 October 2015

The Council adopted the legal acts which translate into EU law certain provisions defined by the UN Security Council Resolution 2231(2015) of 20 July 2015 on the JCPOA. 

• Iran: EU starts implementing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action

UN Security Council adopted resolution 2231 (2015).

• UN Security Council resolution 2231 (2015)

On this same day, the Council of the EU adopted conclusions endorsing the JCPOA and committing to follow the implementation plan.

• Council conclusions on the agreement on Iran's nuclear programme, 20 July 2015

Iran and the E3/EU+3 agreed on a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). 

• Joint statement by the EU High Representative and the Iranian Foreign Minister, and text of the JCPOA
• Statement by President Donald Tusk on the agreement on Iran's nuclear programme

The Council extended the suspension of certain EU restrictive measures, suspended as part of the interim agreement (Joint Plan of Action), for another six months, until January 2016. 

• Iran: Suspension of EU sanctions extended for six months, 14 July 2015

Following the interim agreement reached on a Joint Plan of Action, the Council suspended certain restrictive measures against Iran covered by the Joint Plan of Action for a period of 6 months. This suspension was then regularly extended until a final agreement was reached on 14 July 2015.

• Iran: EU suspends certain sanctions as Joint Plan of Action enters into force, 20 January 2014
• Suspension of EU sanctions extended until 24 November 2014
• Suspension of EU sanctions extended until 30 June 2015
• Suspension of EU sanctions extended until 7 July 2015
• Suspension of EU sanctions extended until 10 July 2015
• Suspension of EU sanctions extended until 13 July 2015

Iran and the E3/EU+3 agreed on a Joint Plan of Action

• Factsheet the Joint Plan of Action with Iran of 24 November 2013
• Statement by the President of the European Council on the agreement on Iran's nuclear programme, 24 November 2013

In order to persuade Iran to comply with its international obligations, the UN Security Council adopted a number of resolutions imposing sanctions on Iran. The EU implements these sanctions and also adopted additional autonomous sanctions.

• Council decision concerning restrictive measures against Iran - 26 July 2010
• Council regulation concerning restrictive measures against Iran - 23 March 2012