WANA (Aug 06) – The Iranian government, aiming to systematically counter foreign sanctions and support affected citizens and institutions, has submitted a 23-article bill to the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Parliament) under the title “Bill on Countering Sanctions.” The draft legislation is currently under review by the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee.

 

In recent years, economic, financial, and banking sanctions have become one of the main pressure tools used by Western governments against Iran. The absence of a comprehensive law had previously limited countermeasures to temporary and ad hoc decisions. For this reason, the government’s legal and political team, in coordination with various institutions, drafted a structural bill. It was approved by the Cabinet on December 18, 2024, and submitted to Parliament with the President’s signature.

 

Formation of the Sanctions Counteraction Task Force

According to Article 2, a Sanctions Counteraction Task Force will be established under the leadership of the First Vice President, with the participation of 20 key institutions, including the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Intelligence, Economy, Defense, Oil, and Interior, as well as the Central Bank, the national broadcaster (IRIB), and a representative of the Judiciary. The task force’s duties include monitoring sanctions, prioritizing economic interactions, authorizing specific transactions, and issuing executive guidelines.

WANA - U.S.- Sanctions

Enforcement Measures and Penalties for Violators

The bill criminalizes any compliance with foreign sanctions within Iran. Officials who in any way enforce or implement foreign sanctions will face a Grade Six Ta’zir punishment (as defined in Iranian law). Iranian legal entities that cooperate with sanctions without legal authorization will also face fines and restrictions.

 

Support for Affected Citizens and Institutions

Articles 10 through 12 oblige the government to provide legal services, attorneys, payment of legal fees, and, when necessary, diplomatic support for individuals prosecuted or detained due to their cooperation with Iran.

 

Sanctions List and Iran’s Reciprocal Measures

Under Article 13, the Islamic Republic may compile a list of individuals and entities imposing sanctions on Iran and enforce restrictions against them, including contract bans, asset seizures, and entry prohibitions. Any violation of these restrictions by Iranian citizens will be treated as a criminal offense.

 

Compensation Fund and Offshore Banking Free Zone

Article 14 provides for the establishment of a Sanctions Compensation Fund, financed through confiscated assets and fines. Article 18 also introduces the creation of an Offshore Banking Free Zone in one of Iran’s free trade areas to facilitate offshore banking activities—an innovation highlighted in the bill.

Firm Determination for a Structural Response

Experts believe that passage of this bill could mark a turning point in Iran’s anti-sanctions strategy. If implemented, it would enable Iran to mitigate sanctions pressure through domestic capacities and international cooperation, while establishing a robust legal and executive framework to safeguard national interests.

 

The National Security and Foreign Policy Committee is currently reviewing the bill’s provisions in detail. If ratified, it will become one of the country’s key high-level documents in the fields of foreign and economic policy.