The sanctions, first imposed between 2006 and 2010 under six Security Council resolutions, were suspended in 2015 when Resolution 2231 endorsed the nuclear deal (JCPOA).
They covered arms embargoes, travel bans, financial restrictions, prohibitions on nuclear- and missile-related activity and the freezing of assets belonging to designated individuals and entities.
Resolution 2231 set an October 18, 2025 deadline after which many restrictions were due to expire unless a so-called "snapback" mechanism was triggered.
On August 28, 2025, Britain, France and Germany (the E3) triggered the mechanism citing Iran's failure to comply with its nuclear obligations, beginning a 30-day process that culminated in the sanctions' return.
Why it matters
The return of UN sanctions is expected to hit Iran hard, even though it already faces sweeping US and EU measures.
The difference is that UN sanctions carry international legitimacy, compelling broader compliance by governments, insurers and banks worldwide.
Even if unilateral or secondary sanctions are eased, UN restrictions would remain in force and shape global behavior unless a new Security Council resolution overturns them.
The impact will extend beyond oil and finance, raising trade finance costs, shipping insurance premiums and currency volatility.
Which resolutions are being reimposed?
- 1696 (2006): Demanded Iran suspend enrichment; urged states to block nuclear or missile-related transfers.
- 1737 (2006): Banned supply of nuclear and missile technologies, froze assets of designated entities and imposed travel monitoring.
- 1747 (2007): Banned Iranian arms exports, expanded asset freezes and urged states and IFIs not to extend loans or financial aid beyond humanitarian needs.
- 1803 (2008): Authorized cargo inspections, tightened banking oversight, added designations and restricted dual-use nuclear items.
- 1835 (2008): Reaffirmed previous measures without adding new ones.
- 1929 (2010): The most sweeping pre-JCPOA resolution, it:
- Expanded an arms embargo to heavy conventional weapons.
- Restricted shipping, insurance and financial services linked to nuclear and missile activity.
- Prohibited Iran from investing abroad in sensitive industries.
- Effectively blocked new foreign investment in oil and gas fields.
- Created an expert panel to monitor compliance.
What’s the impact?
Reinstated sanctions will directly undermine Iran’s ability to export crude, attract investment and finance its energy sector.
Resolution 1929 is especially damaging, as it restricts shipping insurance and financial services essential for oil exports while deterring foreign energy companies.
Banking restrictions from Resolutions 1737, 174 and 1803 complicate oil sales and payments, cutting revenues. Lower government income will limit Tehran’s fiscal capacity, straining subsidies, salaries, and social programs.
Beyond oil, sanctions will intensify inflationary pressures, weaken the rial and increase transaction costs across supply chains.
The private sector will face new hurdles in accessing raw materials, technology, and international banking, compounding Iran’s broader economic crisis.
