- Non-English Translations of this Guidance
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.
- Guidance on the Sale of Food, Agricultural Commodities, Medicine, and Medical Devices by Non-U.S. Persons to Iran
- Industry Guidance on Shah Deniz Consortium
- Clarifying Guidance on Humanitarian Assistance and Related Exports to the Iranian People
- Interpretive Guidance and Statement of Licensing Policy on Internet Freedom in Iran
- Treasury Department Reaffirms Commitment to Fostering Internet Freedom and Supporting the Iranian People
- Guidance on the Donations of Food and Medicine to Iran and the Non-Specified Areas of Sudan
- Guidance on Sponsorship of Conference by the Government of Iran or Iranian persons
- Guidance on Transshipments to Iran
- Are U-Turn payments for Iran still permitted?
- "CISADA: "The New U.S. Sanctions on Iran"
- French translated version of "CISADA: The New Sanctions on Iran" - Resume analytique de la Loi sur la responsabilite, le desengagement et les sanctions generales contre l'Iran
- Spanish translated version of "CISADA: The New Sanctions on Iran" - Hoja de datos: Ley Integral de Sanciones, Rendición de Cuentas y Desinversión contra Iran
- Russian translated version of "CISADA: The New Sanctions on Iran" - Справка: Закон о всеобъемлющихсанкциях в отношении Ирана, привлечении к ответственности и дивестировании
- Arabic translated version of "CISADA: The New Sanctions on Iran" - يانحقائق:قانونالعقوباتالشاملة د إيران والمحاسبة والتجريد من الممتلكات
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.
- Guidance on the Provision of Certain Services Relating to the Requirements of U.S. Sanctions Laws
- Guidance on Certain Publishing Activities
- Interpretive Guidance And Statement of Licensing Policy on Internet Freedom in Iran
- Substantive Enhancement of Information (Iran)
- Guidance on Internet Connectivity (Iran)
- Exports/Aircraft Safety (Iran)
- Equipment to manufacture goods which may be sold to Iran
- Internet Access to Informational Materials (Iran)
- Export of Services - Surveys & Interviews (Iran)
- Iran: Travel Exemption
- Posting of Information from Iran on Website
- Index of All Published Interpretative Guidance
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 the Iran Sanctions FAQ topic page and to OFAC's main FAQ page.
- Iran Sanctions FAQ Topic Page
- OFAC Frequently Asked Questions
- Questions Regarding CISADA (Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010)
- Questions Regarding Executive Order 13599 (Blocking Property of the Government of Iran and Iranian Financial Institutions)
- Questions Regarding the NDAA (Section 1245 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012)
- Questions Regarding the Executive Order 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)
- Questions Regarding the Executive Order 13608 (Prohibiting Certain Transactions with and Suspending Entry into the United States of Foreign Sanctions Evaders with Respect to Iran and Syria)
- Questions Regarding the Executive Order 13622 (Authorizing Additional Sanctions With Respect to Iran)
- Questions Related to Treasury CISADA Findings Against Bank of Kunlun
- Questions Related to Determination Pursuant to Section 312 of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act
- Questions Regarding Section 4 of Executive Order 13628 (Authorizing the Implementation of Certain Sanctions Set Forth in the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 and Additional Sanctions with Respect to Iran)
- Questions Related to the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations and the Statement of Licensing Procedure on Support Of Human Rights, Humanitarian, and Democracy-Related Activities With Respect to Iran
- Questions relating to key provisions of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 (expands the scope of sanctionable transactions with the Central Bank of Iran and designated Iranian financial institutions)
- Questions Regarding the Executive Order 13645 (Authorizing the Implementation of Certain Sanctions Set Forth in the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act of 2012 and Additional Sanctions With Respect To Iran)
- Questions Regarding the General License for the Export of Basic Medical Devices to Iran
- Questions related to Iran General License D-1
- Questions Regarding Payments or the Facilitation of Payments to Iranian Civil Aviation Authorities for Overflights of Iran or Emergency Landing in Iran
- Question related to the Provision of Routine Goods and Services by non-U.S. persons to Diplomatic Missions of the Government of Iran
- Additional Iran-related Questions From Financial Institutions
- Additional OFAC 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.
- Changes to the Part 561 List (PDF)
- Changes to the Part 561 List (Text)
- Archive of Changes to the Part 561 List
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.
- Apply for an OFAC License Online - Authorization from OFAC to engage in a transaction that otherwise would be prohibited.
- Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 (TSRA) Program Information and TSRA License Application Process - Guidance and licensing information for exports of agricultural commodities, medicine, and medical devices
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.
- Iran General License (No. J-1) - Authorizing the Reexportation of Certain Civil Aircraft to Iran on Temporary Sojourn and Related Transactions (Amended 12/15/2016)
- Iran General License (No. G) - Certain Academic Exchanges and the Exportation or Importation of Certain Educational Services Authorized
- Iran General License (No. F) - Authorizing Certain Services in Support of Professional and Amateur Sports Activities and Exchanges Involving the United States and Iran
- Iran General License (No. E) - Authorizing Certain Services in Support of Nongovernmental Organizations’ Activities in Iran
- Iran General License (No. D-2) - General License with Respect to Certain Services, Software, and Hardware Incident to Communications
- List of Medical Devices Requiring Specific Authorization
- Iran General License - Authorizing the Exportation or Reexportation of Food Items
- Iran General License - Authorizing the Exportation or Reexportation of Replacement Parts for Certain Medical Devices- Authorizing the Exportation or Reexportation of Replacement Parts for Certain Medical Devices
- Iran General License - Related to Consular Funds Transfers and to the Transportation of Human Remains
- Iran General License Related to Personal Communication Services - Exportation of certain services and software over the internet
- Iran General License (No. 2) - Authorizing U.S. persons who are employees or contractors of six international organizations to perform transactions for the conduct of the official business of those organizations in or involving Iran
- Iran General License 8A - Authorizing Certain Humanitarian Trade Transactions Involving the Central Bank of Iran or the National Iranian Oil Company
- Iran General License L - Authorizing Certain Transactions Involving Iranian Financial Institutions Blocked Pursuant to Executive Order 13902
- Iran General License M-2 - Authorizing the Exportation of Certain Graduate Level Educational Services and Software
- Iran General License O - Authorizing Wind-Down and Limited Safety and Environmental Transactions Involving Certain Vessels
- List of Services, Software, and Hardware Incident to Communications
- Archive of Revoked and Expired General Licenses
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.
- Licenses for Legal Fees and Costs - Guidance on the Release of Limited Amounts of Blocked Funds for Payment of Legal Fees and Costs Incurred in Challenging the Blocking of U.S. Persons in Administrative or Civil Proceedings
- Entities Owned By Blocked Persons - Guidance On Entities Owned By Persons Whose Property And Interests In Property Are Blocked
- Statement of Licensing Policy related to the support of democracy and human rights in Iran and academic and cultural exchange programs
- Statement Of Licensing Procedure on support of human rights-, humanitarian-, and democracy related activities with respect to Iran
Graphics of Iran-related Economic Activity
- Islamic Revolution Mostazafan Foundation (Bonyad Mostazafan) Network Association Chart (November 2020)
- IRGC's Financial Lifeline (October 2018)
- Mahan Air Designations - June 2017 to June 2018
- Chart of Iran Revolutionary Guards Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) Currency Exchange Network (English Version)
- Chart of Iran Revolutionary Guards Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) Currency Exchange Network (Farsi Version)
LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR IRAN SANCTIONS
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 in 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
- 13949 - Blocking Property of Certain Persons with Respect to the Conventional Arms Activities of Iran
- 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
- Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 (AEDPA), 18 U.S.C. § 2332d
- Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010, Public Law 111-195, As Amended Through Public Law 112-239, Enacted January 2, 2013
- Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), Public Law 115-44
- Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act of 2012 (IFCA) (Public Law 112-239)
- International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), 50 U.S.C. §§ 1701-1706
- Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, as Amended, 50 U.S.C. § 1701 note
- International Security and Development Cooperation Act of 1985 (ISDCA), 22 U.S.C. § 2349aa-9
- Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 H.R. 1905 (Public Law 112-158)
- Section 1245 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012, P.L. 112-81, As Amended Through Public Law 115-91, Enacted December 12, 2017
- National Emergencies Act (NEA), 50 U.S.C. §§ 1601-1651
- Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 (TSRA), 22 U.S.C. §§ 7201-7211
Code of Federal Regulations
- 31 CFR Part 535 - Iranian Assets Control Regulations
- 31 CFR Part 560 - Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations
- 31 CFR Part 561 - Iranian Financial Sanctions Regulations
- 31 CFR Part 562 - Iranian Human Rights Abuses Sanctions Regulations
Federal Register Notices
- 89 FR 43512-24 - Publication of the List of Services, Software, and Hardware Incident to Communications
- 89 FR 43311-24 - Final Rule Amending the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations
- 88 FR 46688-23 - Publication of Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations Web General License P
- 88 FR 45816-23 - Publication of Covid-Related Web General Licenses Related to Syria Sanctions Regulations, Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations, Global Terrorism Sanctions Regulations, and Venezuela Sanctions Regulations.
- 88 FR 32105-23 - Publication of Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations Web General License O
- 88 FR 25491-23 - Publication of Corrections in the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations
- 87 FR 78484-22 - Publication of Humanitarian Sanctions Regulations Amendment and General Licenses (Nongovernmental Organizations, Agricultural, and Medicine)
- 87 FR 78470-22 - Publication of United States Government and International Organizations Official Business Sanctions Regulations Amendment and General Licenses
- 87 FR 62003-22 - Publication of Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations Web General License D–2
- 87 FR 58450-22 - Publication of Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations and Global Terrorism Sanctions Regulations Web General Licenses 8 and 8A
- 87 FR 58449-22 - Publication of Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations Web General License M and Subsequent Iterations
- 87 FR 47932-22 - Publication of Covid-Related Web General Licenses Related to Syria Sanctions Regulations, Iran Transactions and Sanctions Regulations, Global Terrorism Sanctions Regulations, and Venezuela Sanctions Regulations
- 85 FR 61823-20 - Amended Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations
- 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 Iran 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)
