Canada Imposes New Sanctions on Iranian Individuals
Ottawa announced on February 14, 2026, that it has imposed additional sanctions on seven individuals linked to the Islamic Republic of Iran. The measures, enacted under the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations, target those associated with Iranian state bodies responsible for repression, intimidation, and violence against Iranian dissidents and human rights defenders both within Iran and abroad.
The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated that these sanctions send a clear message that Canada will not tolerate the Iranian regime's attempts to 'intimidate, harm or silence voices inside or outside Iran'. The Canadian government highlighted Iran's alleged use of proxy agents and criminal networks to silence critics through harassment, surveillance, and planned acts of violence in Europe and North America, actions that threaten the sovereignty of other states and undermine international law.
Targeted Individuals and Their Affiliations
The newly sanctioned individuals are identified for their roles in activities that undermine international peace, security, or stability, consistent with Iran's policies. Among those listed are:
- Naji Ibrahim Sharifi Zindashti, identified as the head of the 'Zindashti' network, a transnational organized crime network reportedly collaborating with Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security.
- Reza Hamidiravari, an intelligence officer for Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security.
- Mohammadreza Ansari, a senior official with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force Unit QF-840.
- Ali Esfanjani, described as an informant, facilitator, and associate of the 'Zindashti' network.
- Mohammad Abdolrazagh Kanafani
- Nihat Abdulqader Asan
These sanctions impose a dealings prohibition, effectively freezing any assets these individuals may hold in Canada. Furthermore, persons in Canada and Canadians abroad are prohibited from making property available to the sanctioned individuals. Those listed are also rendered inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
Broader Context of Canadian Sanctions
These latest measures are part of Canada's ongoing response to Iran's actions. With this announcement, Canada has now sanctioned a total of 222 Iranian individuals and 256 Iranian entities under the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations. Since 2022, Canada has imposed sanctions on a total of 478 Iranian individuals and entities across Iran's security, intelligence, and economic apparatus.
The scope of the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations was expanded in October 2022 to address gross and systematic human rights violations and further amended in March 2025 to allow for the listing of individuals and entities involved in destabilizing activities. Canada continues to affirm its commitment to countering Iran's destabilizing activities and upholding international law.
5 Comments
Africa
It's crucial to hold individuals accountable for human rights abuses, but we also need to consider if these measures inadvertently harm the general populace or strengthen hardliners.
Raphael
Sanctioning specific individuals sends a clear message and protects Canadian interests from foreign interference. Still, one must question if Canada has the leverage to truly alter Iran's state-level policies through such actions alone.
Michelangelo
The article highlights important efforts to combat Iranian repression, yet I wonder about the verifiable evidence presented against every single individual named. Transparency is key for legitimacy.
Donatello
Protecting human rights globally means confronting regimes like Iran's. Well done.
Raphael
While Canada's intent to counter repression is commendable, the long-term effectiveness of these sanctions often falls short. Real change usually requires broader diplomatic efforts.