New restrictive measures against Iran

Norway is tightening restrictive measures against Iran. For example, from 6 July it will be prohibited for Norwegian citizens and companies to transport or import Iranian oil.

“The Iranian authorities must show that Iran’s nuclear programme does not have any military purpose. The measures are a powerful signal to the Iranian leadership,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

On 6 July, new regulation entered into force amending the regulations of 9 February 2007 on sanctions and restrictive measures against Iran. The new regulations are based on the most recent EU Council Decision which, together with four UN Security Council resolutions, constitute Norway’s general sanctions regime with respect to Iran.

In line with EU legislation, oil companies that have funds or economic resources in Iran, for example Statoil, are entitled to accept payment in the form of petroleum products and, in this connection, to insurance and reinsurance cover (P%I).

The transport and import of petrochemical products is also prohibited as from the date on which the regulations enter into force. This also applies to the export of key equipment and technology for the petrochemical industry and trade in precious metals. The existing ban on trade in dual-use goods and technology has been strengthened.

The regulations also expand existing measures in order to prevent serious human rights violations, for example by banning the export to Iran of telecommunications equipment that could be used for monitoring internet and telephone communications or internal repression.

The restrictive measures are a direct consequence of Iran’s failure to comply with previous Security Council resolutions, and of its failure to cooperate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The new legislation is largely based on Council Regulation (EU) No. 267/2012 of 23 March 2012 and four UN Security Council resolutions adopted in the period 2006–2010. Thus, the latest of the EU’s restrictive measures against Iran, which were adopted on 23 January 2012 and entered into force in the EU on 1 July, have now been implemented in Norwegian law.

“Norway joins the EU in adopting tougher restrictive measures against Iran, and the US and other countries are also tightening their measures,” said Mr Støre.