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IRAN

Overview of Selected U.S. Sanctions on Iran 

Contact Export Controls & International Compliance (ECIC) for any questions or assistance with obtaining a specific OFAC license or questions about whether a “general” license applies. 

The U.S. federal government maintains comprehensive sanctions on Iran pursuant to various laws and regulations, including the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. Part 560 (the “ITSR”). Among other proscriptions, the ITSR prohibits U.S. persons from:   

  1. engaging in any transaction or dealing in Iranian-origin goods or services; 
  2. the provision of goods and services to Iran; 
  3. importing Iranian-origin goods or services;  
  4. directly or indirectly exporting or re-exporting any goods, technology, or services to Iran; and 
  5. facilitating, approving, or guaranteeing such conduct by a non-U.S. person.   
The ITSR also prohibit evading, causing a violation of, attempting to violate, and conspiring to violate the restrictions (Reference 31 CFR Part 560.201, 560.203, 560.204, and 560.206).  

To summarize these sanctions in simpler terms, U.S. persons are prohibited from engaging in the following transactions except where authorized through an Exempt Transaction, ITSR Defined Authorization, General License, or Specific License:    

  1. providing services to Iran; 
  2. receiving services performed by an Iranian;  
  3. engaging in financial transactions directly or indirectly with Iran; 
  4. engaging in transactions relating to Iranian-origin goods or services; or 
  5. receiving Iranian-origin goods.  

Violating OFAC sanctions can result in individual criminal or civil penalties.