1. In connection with Iran's nuclear issue, the Government of Japan has been implementing a series of measures against Iran's nuclear activities based on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions 1737, 1747, 1803 and 1929.
2. Japan is deeply concerned about the current state of Iran's nuclear issue in which, contrary to the series of resolutions of the UNSC and the IAEA Board of Governors, Iran continues and expands its enrichment activities. In light of these current situation over the Iranian nuclear issue, the Government of Japan has decided to add the following measure, based on the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (hereinafter to be referred to as "the Foreign Exchange Act"), in line with the Cabinet approval on March 13, 2012, "Additional Accompanying Measures pursuant to UNSC resolution on Iran", so as to contribute to the international efforts for the international peace.
   

   -Termination of Correspondent Banking Relationships with Designated Banks through Asset Freeze.

   An Iranian bank (Annex[PDF]) which could contribute to Iran's proliferation-sensitive activities or the development of nuclear weapon delivery systems are designated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Notice (issued on March 13, 2012), and their assets are frozen based on the Foreign Exchange Act, with the effect that correspondent banking relationships with those banks are halted.

   (Reference)
   21 Iranian banks are now designated by the relevant UNSC resolutions and Accompanying Measures pursuant to UNSC resolution.

(*The foregoing is a provisional translation. The date indicated above denotes the date of issue of the original press release in Japanese.)