Australia Imposes Financial and Travel Sanctions on Iran

The United States has also imposed new sanctions on Iran and other nations.

Smoke billows during Israeli air strikes on Hamas targets in Gaza City on Oct. 12, 2023. Mahmud Hams/AFP via Getty Images

Australia is aiming to apply pressure on Iran with financial and travel restrictions amid the conflict in the Middle East.

The Federal Government has slapped 19 Iranians and 57 entities with financial or travel bans in response to their role in Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.

On Oct. 18, the United States imposed new sanctions on people in Iran, Hong Kong, China and Venezuela for supporting Iran’s missile and unmanned aerial vehicle program.

In Australia, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Iran’s proliferation of ballistic and cruise missiles raises tensions in an already volatile region.

“The Albanese Government is working deliberately and strategically to apply pressure on the Iranian regime for failing to uphold its international obligations, including its nuclear-related commitments,” Ms. Wong said.

Iran Claims Time is ‘Running Out’

Iran as been escalating tensions, with foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian claiming time is “running out” for Israel after an explosion at a hospital in Gaza. However, Israel have laid blame for the tragedy at the hospital on Islamic Jihadists, who they say misfired a rocket that hit the hospital.

Ms. Wong called on Iran to cease its escalatory actions in its nuclear program and recommit to full compliance with its nuclear-related commitments

“This includes reversing all steps away from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and allowing the International Atomic Energy Agency to completely verify Iran’s peaceful use of nuclear technology,” Ms. Wong said.

“These sanctions demonstrate Australia’s commitment to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, and determination to work with our international partners.”

The sanctions had been imposed in the past under the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2231. Now, they will be listed as part of Australia’s autonomous sanctions framework. The government said this is consistent with the international approach.

Three other individuals and 11 entities have been listed due to their association with individuals or entities that have been sanctioned under UNSC Resolution 2231.

International Reaction to Iran

Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury Department has sanctioned 11 individuals, eight entities, and one cargo vessel. Among the group are Iran-based equipment firms and their directors, Hong Kong-based tech companies, Chinese nationals, and Iranian officials’ Defense Minister Mohammad-Reza Ashtiani and Jaber Reihani, the nation’s defense attaché in Venezuela.

Those involved are being targeted due to their role enabling Iran’s destabilising ballistic missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) programs.

The treasury said these individuals and entities have materially supported Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Ministry of Defense and Armed Force Logistics (MODAFL) or their subordinates in the production and proliferation of missiles and UAVs.

“Iran’s reckless choice to continue its proliferation of destructive UAVs [unmanned aerial vehicles] and other weapons prolongs numerous conflicts in regions around the world,” undersecretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson said.

Israeli soldiers patrol in armoured personnel carriers at an undisclosed position in northern Israel near the border with Lebanon on Oct. 15, 2023. Lebanon's Hezbollah and Israel exchanged deadly border fire on Oct. 15, with the Iran-backed group claiming responsibility for strikes that Israel said killed a civilian, further raising cross-border tensions during Israel's war with Gaza-based militants. Aris Messinis/AFP/Getty Images

“The United States will continue to take action to disrupt Iran’s proliferation of UAVs and other weapons to oppressive regimes and destabilizing actors, and we encourage the international community to do the same.”

The U.S. noted UN’s restrictions on Iran’s missile-related activities under UN Security Council Resolution 2231  and European union restrictions on Iran were set to expire on Oct. 18.

“Despite the expiration of UNSCR 2231, the United States remains steadfast in its commitment to counter the threat posed by Iran’s procurement, development and proliferation of missiles, UAVs and other military weapons,” the U.S. treasury department said.