Iran presents another challenge to the NPT regime: in 2003 the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) found Iran in breach of its safeguard obligations and has repeatedly confirmed since that it is unable to verify whether Iran's nuclear activities are exclusively peaceful. The UNSC has passed six resolutions against Iran: 1696, 1737, 1747, 1803, 1835 and 1929, of which four have imposed sanctions.

Relevant Australian legislation incorporates the United Nations Security Council's trade and financial sanctions against Iran. Australia has also imposed autonomous sanctions targeting Iran's proliferation sensitive nuclear and missile programs and Iran's efforts to contravene UNSC sanctions. All persons having business dealings in connection with Iran should make themselves aware of the restrictions that apply to such dealings.

Australia supports efforts by the five permanent members of the Security Council and Germany to engage Iran in a sustained process of dialogue with a view to bringing Iran into compliance with its international obligations.

For more information on Iran, please see the Iran country pages

For more information on Australia's sanctions applying to Iran, please see the Sanctions page