TITLE: Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Amends Autonomous Sanctions Instrument for Iran
BODY:
On May 11, 2026, Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) amended the Autonomous Sanctions (Designated Persons and Entities and Declared Persons – Iran) Instrument 2012 through the Autonomous Sanctions (Designated Persons and Entities and Declared Persons – Iran) Amendment (No. 2) Instrument 2026.
The amendment instrument, registered as F2026L00547, is administered under the authority of the Autonomous Sanctions Regulations 2011. The instrument came into force on May 11, 2026. The amendment modifies Schedule 1, which contains the Autonomous Sanctions (Designated Persons and Entities and Declared Persons – Iran) List 2012, the primary mechanism through which Australia designates persons and entities subject to autonomous sanctions related to Iran.
Autonomous sanctions are measures imposed by Australia independently, without requirement for United Nations Security Council authorisation. Amendments to the Iran sanctions list typically reflect changes to Australia's foreign policy objectives, responses to Iranian activities, or alignment with international sanctions regimes. The designated persons and entities list serves as the basis for financial restrictions, asset freezes, and other sanctions measures applicable to listed individuals and organisations.
The amendment is now in force and applies to all persons and entities subject to Australian sanctions law. The full legislative text and explanatory statement are available on the Federal Register of Legislation. Entities and individuals engaged in financial services, trade, or other transactions involving Iran should review the updated designated list to ensure compliance with Australian sanctions obligations.
**Reference:**
Federal Register of Legislation, Autonomous Sanctions (Designated Persons and Entities and Declared Persons – Iran) Amendment (No. 2) Instrument 2026, F2026L00547, May 11, 2026.