On February 14, 2026, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced new sanctions against seven individuals linked to the Iranian government. These measures target those involved in “transnational repression”—the practice of using violence and intimidation against dissidents living outside of Iran.

The goal is to disrupt Iranian state-sponsored efforts to silence human rights advocates and critics abroad, particularly in Europe and North America.

This move was made in alignment with international partners to uphold global security and counter destabilizing activities by the Iranian regime.

All seven individuals are now subject to a dealings prohibition, which freezes any assets they hold in Canada and bars them from entering the country.

Who are the Sanctioned Individuals?

The list features high-level operatives and facilitators from Iran’s intelligence and military apparatus:

Naji Ebrahim Sharifi Zindashti, Reza Hamidi Ravari, Mohammadreza Ansari, Ali Esfanjani, Mohammad Abdolrazagh Kanafani, Nihat Abdulqader Asan, Mohammadreza Naserzadeh.