Britain Freezes Business with Iranian State-Owned Bank and Shipping Line

October 1, 2009

Publication Type: 

  • International Enforcement Actions

Mentioned Suspect Entities & Suppliers: 

Author: 

Wisconsin Project Staff

Britain has frozen business with two Iranian entities, Bank Mellat and the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), because they have supported Iran's missile and nuclear programs. These restrictions were implemented by Her Majesty's Treasury under the Counter-Terrorism Act of 2008. Both entities have already been sanctioned by the United States, and in August 2008 the European Union adopted new restrictions that included a call for E.U. countries to inspect suspicious air and sea cargo to and from Iran, particularly shipments involving IRISL and Iran Air. Requirements for additional pre-arrival and pre-departure information were also instituted for all goods brought into the European Union on cargo aircraft or vessels owned or controlled by Iran Air Cargo and IRISL.

Footnotes: 

[1] Keith Weir, "UK Halts Business with Iran Firms on Nuclear Fears," Reuters, October 12, 2009

[2] "Council Common Position 2008/652/CFSP amending Common Position 2007/140/CFSP concerning restrictive measures against Iran," Press Release, Council of the European Union, August 8, 2008.

Related Library Documents: