Canada reimposes sanctions against 11 Iranian companies: statement

PARIS (AFP) — Canada on Tuesday said it was reimposing sanctions against 11 Iranian companies in the energy and banking sectors for contributing to the Islamic republic's nuclear drive, ballistic missile program or the financing of "malign activities."

The companies, which include the National Iranian Oil Co. and leading banks Mellat and Melli, were delisted from Canadian sanctions in 2016.

But the measures have now been reimposed "to disrupt Iranian financial networks supporting its nuclear program." the Canadian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on the sidelines of the G7 meeting in Paris.

It said that the sanctions had been removed in 2016 "in recognition of Iran's progress" following the 2015 deal with world powers over its nuclear program, which the United States and Europe have long feared is aimed at making an atomic bomb.

"Since then, Iran's repeated failure to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency has heightened concerns about its nuclear activities," the ministry said.

"These measures signal Canada's firm opposition to the financing, development and expansion of Iran's proliferation-sensitive nuclear activities by further restricting its access to sensitive technologies and funding," it added.

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand said even after the collapse of the 2015 deal, Canada was eager to work with partners towards a sustainable agreement on the Iranian nuclear program.

"Canada's position is unequivocal: Iran must never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon," said Anand, who is attending the G7 talks.