Expansion of Canadian Sanctions on Iran
Under the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations, the Canadian government has designated seven additional individuals. According to official press releases and background information, these persons are sanctioned for their roles in Iran-led operations that compromise global stability, peace, and security.
Targeted Individuals and the "Zindashti" Network
The newly sanctioned list features key figures from the Zindashti network, a transnational organized crime syndicate that operates alongside Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security. Notable inclusions are:
- Naji Ibrahim Sharifi Zindashti: Identified as the leader of the criminal organization.
- Intelligence and Military Officials: Members of both the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
- Diplomatic Personnel: A former employee of the Iranian consulate located in Türkiye.
International Context and Sanctions Totals
The designation of Mr. Zindashti follows similar actions taken by the United States and United Kingdom in 2024, and the European Union in 2025. These international bodies have previously asserted that the Zindashti network facilitates kidnappings and assassinations at the behest of the Iranian state.
With these additions, Canada’s total sanctions under the Iran regulations now encompass 222 individuals and 256 entities. Further details on these regimes and the Special Economic Measures Act are available via dedicated Canadian regulatory resource pages.
