UK’s new Iran sanctions regime takes effect

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - A new Iranian sanction regime that gives the UK "extensive new powers" to hold Iran and its decision-makers to account, took effect Thursday.

The British Foreign Office said the regime gives Britain new powers to disrupt Iran’s "hostile activities in the UK and around the world."

"Sanctions will target Iran’s decision makers and those doing its bidding, with the regime also including new restrictions on Iran’s drone programme and shipping," it said in a statement.

It added that in coordination with the US, the first sanctions package under the new regime targets the head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force Esmail Qaani, and those linked to Iran’s relationship with Hamas and Islamic Jihad groups.

"The behaviour of the Iranian regime poses an unacceptable threat to the UK and our partners," said Foreign Secretary David Cameron, and he accused Tehran of continuing to threaten people on UK soil and using its influence to destabilize the Middle East.

The Foreign Office said to date, the UK has more than 350 sanctions designations in place on Iranians and entities.