Iran Sanctions (U.S. Department of the Treasury)

14 May 2020

Iran Sanctions

Resource Center

U.S. Department of the Treasury

Last updated: May 14, 2020

https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/programs/pages/iran.aspx

 

 

On May 14, 2020, the U.S. Departments of State and Treasury, and the U.S. Coast Guard, issued an advisory​​ to provide those engaged or involved in trade in the maritime industry and energy and metals sectors with further information and tools to counter current and emerging trends related to illicit shipping and sanctions evasion.   

For additional advisories and information, please see the section below.

Important Advisories and Information

OFAC issues advisories to the public on important issues related to the Iran sanctions, while these documents may focus on specific industries and activities they should be reviewed by any party interested in OFAC compliance.

Graphics of Iran-related Economic Activity

Archived Iran-related Material

Frequently Asked Questions

OFAC has compiled hundreds of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about its sanctions programs and related policies.  The links below send the user to Iran sanctions-related frequently asked questions. 

List of Foreign Sanctions Evaders (FSE)

On May 1, 2012, the President signed Executive Order 13608, “Prohibiting Certain Transactions With and Suspending Entry Into the United States of Foreign Sanctions Evaders With Respect to Iran and Syria.” This Executive Order strengthens Treasury’s ability to address behavior by foreign individuals and entities determined to have violated, attempted to violate, conspired to violate, or caused a violation of U.S. sanctions on Syria or Iran.

List of CISADA and NDAA Prohibitions or Conditions

As of March 14, 2019, the List of Foreign Financial Institutions Subject to Correspondent Account or Payable-Through Account Sanctions (the “CAPTA List”) includes one foreign financial institution subject to correspondent or payable-through account sanctions.  Prior to March 14, 2019, this entity was on OFAC’s Part 561 List.  The Part 561 List that formerly appeared on this page has been eliminated in favor of the new CAPTA List​. 

Non-SDN Iranian Sanctions Act (NS-ISA) List

On October 9, 2012, the President signed Executive Order (E.O.) 13628, which provides for, among other things, the implementation of certain sanctions set forth in the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 (TRA). Section 1 of E.O. 13628 provides that the Secretary of the Treasury, pursuant to authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), shall take action to implement certain sanctions set forth in Section 6 of the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, as amended (ISA), when the President, the Secretary of State, or the Secretary of the Treasury imposes such sanctions on a person pursuant to provisions of ISA, the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010, as amended, or the TRA.  Section 6 of ISA includes both blocking and non-blocking sanctions. In order to implement the non-blocking provisions of Section 6 of ISA, OFAC developed the NS-ISA List. OFAC implements the blocking sanction under Section 6 of ISA by adding persons subject to that sanction to the List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons with the identifying tag “[ISA]”

Specific Guidance on the Iran Sanctions

OFAC offers guidance on a variety of subjects related to the Iran sanctions. Most of this guidance is specific in nature.  General guidance on the Iran sanctions can be found in the Sanctions Brochures section at the top of this page.

Interpretive Guidance

OFAC issues interpretive guidance on specific issues related to the sanctions programs it administers.  These interpretations of OFAC policy are sometimes published in response to a public request for guidance or may be released proactively by OFAC in order to address a complex topic.

Applying for a Specific OFAC License

It may be in your and the U.S. government’s interest to authorize particular economic activity related to Iran.  Certain activities related to Iran may be allowed if they are licensed by OFAC.  Visit the link below to apply for an OFAC license. Guidance on OFAC Licensing Policy
Certain activities related to Iran may be allowed if they are licensed by OFAC.  Below OFAC has issued guidance and statements on specific licensing policies as they relate to Iran.

Archived Statements of Licensing Policy

General Licenses
OFAC issues general licenses in order to authorize activities that would otherwise be prohibited with regard to Iran.  General licenses allow all US persons to engage in the activity described in the general license without needing to apply for a specific license.

 Executive Orders, Statutes, Rules and Regulations Relating to Iran 

The Iran sanctions program represents the implementation of multiple legal authorities.  Some of these authorities are in the form of executive orders issued by the President.  Other authorities are public laws (statutes) passed by The Congress.  These authorities are further codified by OFAC in its regulations which are published the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).  Modifications to these regulations are posted in the Federal Register.  In addition to all of these authorities, OFAC may also implement United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs) with regard to Iran. 

 

Executive Orders

  • 13902​​  -  Imposing Sanctions With Respect to Additional Sectors of Iran
  • 13876 - Imposing Sanctions with Respect to Iran
  • 13871 - Imposing Sanctions with Respect to the Iron, Steel, Aluminum, and Copper Sectors of Iran
  • 13846 - Reimposing Certain Sanctions With Respect To Iran
  • 13608​ - Prohibiting Certain Transactions With and Suspending Entry Into the United States of Foreign Sanctions Evaders With Respect to Iran and Syria (Effective Date - May 1, 2012)
  • 13606 - Blocking the Property and Suspending Entry Into the United States of Certain Persons With Respect to Grave Human Rights Abuses by the Governments of Iran and Syria via Information Technology​ (Effective Date - April 23, 2012)
  • 13599 - Blocking Property of the Government of Iran and Iranian Financial Institutions​ (Effective Date - February 6, 2012)
  • 13553 - Blocking Property of Certain Persons With Respect to Serious Human Rights Abuses By The Government of Iran and Taking Certain Other Actions (Effective Date - September 29, 2010)
  • 13059 - Prohibiting Certain Transactions With Respect to Iran (Effective Date - August 20, 1997)
  • 12959 - Prohibiting Certain Transactions With Respect to Iran (Effective Date - May 7, 1995)
  • 12957 - Prohibiting Certain Transactions With Respect to the Development of Iranian Petroleum Resources (Effective Date - March 16, 1995)
  • 12613 - Prohibiting Imports From Iran (Effective Date - October 29, 1987)
  • 12294 - Suspension of Litigation Against Iran (Effective Date - February 26, 1981)
  • 12284 - Restrictions on the Transfer of Property of the Former Shah of Iran (Effective Date - January 23, 1981)
  • 12283 - Non-Prosecution of Claims of Hostages and for Actions at the United States Embassy and Elsewhere (Effective Date - January 23, 1981)
  • 12282 - Revocation of Prohibitions Against Transactions Involving Iran (Effective Date - January 23, 1981)
  • 12281 - Direction To Transfer Certain Iranian Government Assets (Effective Date - January 23, 1981)
  • 12280 - Direction To Transfer Iranian Government Financial Assets Held By Non-Banking Institutions (Effective Date - January 23, 1981)
  • 12279 - Direction To Transfer Iranian Govt. Assets Held By Domestic Banks (Effective Date - January 23, 1981)
  • 12278 - Direction To Transfer Iranian Government Assets Overseas (Effective Date - January 23, 1981)
  • 12277 - Direction To Transfer Iranian Government Assets (Effective Date - January 23, 1981)
  • 12276 - Direction Relating to Establishment of Escrow Accounts (Effective Date - January 23, 1981)
  • 12211 - Prohibiting Certain Transactions With Iran (Effective Date - April 17, 1980)
  • 12205 - Prohibiting Certain Transactions With Iran (Effective Date - April 17, 1980)
  • 12170 - Blocking Iranian Government Property (Effective Date - November 14, 1979)

Statutes

Code of Federal Regulations

Federal Register Notices

  • 84 FR 38545-19 - Amended Iranian Sanctions Regulations Regarding the Iron, Steel, Aluminum, and Copper Sectors of Iran
  • 84 FR 9456-19 - Amendment for the List of Foreign Financial Institutions Subject to Correspondent Account or Payable-Through Account Sanctions (CAPTA List)
  • 83 FR 55269-18 - Amendment of the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations
  • 83 FR 30335-18 - Amendment to the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. Part 560 ("ITSR")
  • 81 FR 94254-16 - Changes to the Iran TSRA regulations and definition of Iranian-origin goods
  • 79 FR 18990-14 - Final Rule Amending the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations by expanding an existing general license that authorizes the exportation or reexportation of food to individuals and entities in Iran to include the broader category of agricultural commodities.
  • 78 FR 16403-13 - Amendment to the Iranian Financial Sanctions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. part 561 (the “IFSR”), to implement sections 503 and 504 of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 (the “TRA”) and certain provisions of Executive Order 13622 
  • 77 FR 75845-12​ - Publication of Final Rule Amending the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR Part 560 
  • 77 FR 66918-12​ - Amendments to the Iranian Financial Sanctions Regulations to implement sections 214 through 216 of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012
  • 77 FR 64666-12 - 31 CFR Part 560 - Iranian Transactions Regulations; Final Rule​
  • 77 FR 16170-12​ - Amendment to the Iranian Transactions Regulations to redefine the term "entity owned or controlled by the Government of Iran" to substantially conform to the definition in the amended Iranian Financial Sanctions Regulations
  • 77 FR ​11724-12 - Amendment to the Iranian Financial Sanctions Regulations: Implementing subsection 1245(d) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 ("NDAA")
  • 76 FR 63197-11 - Iranian Transactions Regulations - Amendments to authorize certain consular funds transfers and the transportation of human remains
  • 76 FR 63191-11 - Iranian Transactions Regulations - Amendments to authorize the exportation or reexportation of food items
  • 76 FR 7695-11 - Iranian Transactions Regulations - regulations with respect to Iran to implement Executive Order 13553
  • 75 FR 59611-10 - Iranian Transactions Regulations - Amendment to remove general licenses authorizing the importation of, and dealings in, certain foodstuffs and carpets of Iranian origin and related services
  • 75 FR 49836-10 - Iranian Financial Sanctions Regulations - New regulations to implement the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010
  • 75 FR 34630-10 - Amendment to the Iranian Transactions Regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations to expand the scope of Appendix A to Part 560 to encompass any person determined by OFAC to be the Government of Iran
  • 75 FR 10997-10 - Amendments to authorize certain types of exportation
  • 74 FR 61030-09 - An interim final rule which makes technical changes to certain sections of the Sudanese Sanctions Regulations and the Iranian Transactions Regulations, 31 CFR parts 538 and 560
  • 74 FR 36397-09 - Allows U.S. banks to continue operating the accounts of U.S. persons who are temporarily in Iran
  • 73 FR 73788-08 - Final rule amending the Iranian Transactions Regulations to expand the scope of Appendix A
  • 73 FR 66541-08 - Revoking an authorization previously granted to U.S. depository institutions to process U-turn transfers
  • 72 FR 15831-07 - Amendment to the Iranian Transactions Regulations related to the movement of specific goods via diplomatic pouch
  • 72 FR 12980-07 - Clarification of Policy with Respect to the Process for Issuing Certain TSRA Licenses
  • 71 FR 53569-06 - Treasury Cuts Iran's Bank Saderat Off From U.S. Financial System
  • 71 FR 48795-06  - Official Activities of Certain U.S. Organizations
  • 71 FR 29251-06  - Revisions to IEEPA made by the Combating Terrorism Financing Act of 2005
  • 70 FR 15761-05 - Administrative Collection of Civil Penalties
  • 70 FR 15583-05 - Broker-dealer amendment to ITR.
  • 69 FR 75468-04 - General License for Publishing Activities
  • 68 FR 11741-03  - Authorization of Certain Humanitarian Activities by Nongovernmental Organizations in Iraq and Iran
  • 68 FR 9744-03 - Correction to 68 FR 8077 - Payments to Persons Who Hold Certain Categories of Judgments Against Cuba or Iran
  • 68 FR 8077-03 - Payments to Persons Who Hold Certain Categories of Judgments Against Cuba or Iran
  • 67 FR 75897-02 - Payments to Persons Who Hold Certain Categories of Judgments Against Cuba or Iran
  • 66 FR 38553-01 - Amendments to the Iranian Assets Control Regulations
  • 66 FR 36683-01 - Exports of Agricultural Products, Medicines, and Medical Devices to Cuba, Sudan, Libya, and Iran; Cuba Travel-Related Transactions
  • 65 FR 70382-00 - Payments to Persons Who Hold Certain Categories of Judgments Against Cuba or Iran000 Payments to Persons Who Hold Certain Categories of Judgments Against Cuba or Iran

United Nations Security Council Resolutions

  • 2231 - Endorses the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (20 July 2015)

The provisions of Security Council resolutions 1696 (2006), 1737 (2006), 1747 (2007), 1803 (2008), 1835 (2008), 1929 (2010), and 2224 (2015) have been terminated subject to re-imposition in the event of significant non-performance of JCPOA commitments.

  • 1929 - Reaffirming its commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. (9 June 2010)
  • 1803 - Reaffirming its commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. (3 March 2008)
  • 1747 - Reaffirming its commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. (24 March 2007)
  • 1737 - Reaffirming its commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. (23 December 2006)
  • 1696 - Reaffirming its commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. (31 July 2006)
  • 461 - Reaffirming resolution 457 (1979) in all its aspects (31 December 1979)