New Zealand Reimposes UN Sanctions on Iran Over Nuclear Non-Compliance and Regional Concerns

New Zealand Reinstates UN Sanctions on Iran

Wellington, New Zealand – New Zealand announced on Friday, October 17, 2025, its decision to reimpose United Nations sanctions on the Islamic Republic of Iran. The measures, which will take effect on October 18, 2025, are a direct response to Iran's continued non-compliance with its nuclear obligations under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and what New Zealand's Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, described as 'unjustifiable levels of uranium enrichment activity'.

Foreign Minister Peters stated, 'This reimposition of UN-mandated sanctions reflects the international community's deep concerns about Iran's non-compliance with its nuclear obligations and unjustifiable levels of uranium enrichment activity.' He further encouraged Tehran to 're-engage in negotiations and resume full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).'

Scope of the Reimposed Sanctions

The reinstated sanctions, formalized under the United Nations Sanctions (Iran) Regulations 2025, introduce a comprehensive range of restrictions. These include:

• An asset freeze on sanctioned persons and entities.
• Travel bans for designated individuals.
• Import and export bans on specified nuclear and military goods.
• An obligation for New Zealanders to exercise vigilance in all dealings with Iran.

Additionally, New Zealand will implement a compulsory registration scheme for its citizens intending to conduct business with Iran, effective from February 1, 2026. This scheme aims to ensure transparency and compliance with the sanctions regime.

International Context and Iran's Response

New Zealand's decision aligns with similar actions taken recently by Britain, France, and Germany, which also reinstated UN penalties over Iran's breaches of its nuclear commitments. The broader UN sanctions against Iran were reimposed on September 28, 2025, following the triggering of the 'snapback mechanism' under the JCPOA, which restored measures from six UN Security Council Resolutions adopted between 2006 and 2010.

The move also comes in the wake of heightened regional tensions. In August 2025, Australia accused Iran of orchestrating two antisemitic attacks in Sydney and Melbourne, leading to the expulsion of the Iranian ambassador.

Iran, however, maintains that its nuclear program is solely for civilian purposes and denies any pursuit of nuclear weapons. Mohammad Eslami, chief of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, recently stated that there are currently no IAEA inspectors in the country and that any visit to nuclear sites would require approval from Iran's Supreme National Security Council.

Commitment to Non-Proliferation

Foreign Minister Peters reiterated New Zealand's consistent support for diplomatic efforts to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons from any source. The reimposition of sanctions underscores the international community's growing concern over Iran's nuclear activities and its adherence to international agreements.