The UK is introducing legislation to expand sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program and other hostile activity. The Iran (Sanctions) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 amend the 2023 sanctions regulations and the 2019 nuclear sanctions regulations, imposing sectoral measures broadly lifted under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the international Iran nuclear deal. The measures further restrict Iran’s access to the UK financial system and its ability to raise funds, while expanding trade prohibitions covering goods, technology and services linked to energy, software, metals, gold, shipping, insurance and banking. Additional exports connected to Iran’s conventional weapons and nuclear capabilities will also be prohibited. Iranian aircraft will be barred from landing in the UK unless exemptions apply, and the government will gain stronger powers to sanction ships supporting Iran’s nuclear program or other malign and destabilizing activity. The legislation includes sanctions mitigations, including general licences allowing the continued operation of Azerbaijan’s Shah Deniz gas field, consistent with similar European Union and U.S. carveouts. The UK says Iran remains in significant non-compliance with international safeguards obligations and that a negotiated diplomatic outcome is the only long-term solution to the nuclear threat.