Frequently Asked Questions

301. How will the determination be made as to whether materials are used in a manner that would make them subject to sanctions under section 1245 of IFCA?

301 … A FFI , prior to conducting or facilitating a significant financial transaction for the sale, supply, or transfer to or from Iran of the materials listed in 1245(d) – as described in part in Q&A 298 – will need to undertake due diligence to ensure that the transaction does not involve the… Read more

302. Are there any exceptions to section 1245 of IFCA?

302 … A person will not be subject to sanctions under section 1245 of IFCA if a determination is made by the Department of the Treasury or the Department of State, as appropriate, that the person has established and enforced official policies, procedures, and controls to ensure that the person does… Read more

303. Which insurance, reinsurance, or underwriting activities are potentially subject to sanctions under IFCA's section 1246(a)(1)?

303 … A number of insurance activities are subject to sanctions under IFCA , including knowingly providing insurance, reinsurance, or underwriting services to or for Iranian persons on the SDN List to or for any person designated in connection with Iran’s support for international terrorism or WMD… Read more

348. May U.S. persons employ agents in Iran to facilitate sales, create or fund a physical sales presence on the ground in Iran, or utilize Iranian commercial marketing services in furtherance of exports authorized under 31 CFR § 560.540 of the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR)?

348 … No. Section 560.540 of the ITSR does not authorize the employment of persons in Iran to facilitate sales, the maintenance of a physical sales presence in Iran, or the utilization of Iranian marketing services. However, the exportation of certain copy-ready advertising materials is exempt… Read more

304. Are there exceptions to insuring, reinsuring, or underwriting sanctioned activities?

304 … Yes. IFCA includes the following exceptions to insuring, reinsuring, or underwriting sanctioned activities. a. Transactions for the sale of agricultural commodities, food, medicine, or medical devices to Iran or for the provision of humanitarian assistance to the people of Iran can be insured… Read more

417. Are payments or the facilitation of payments not involving U.S. persons to Iranian civil aviation authorities for overflights of Iran or landing in Iran by aircraft that are owned by a non-U.S. person and registered outside the United States sanctionable under U.S. law?

417 … No. Provided that the relevant transactions do not involve the U.S. financial system or persons on the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List ( SDN List ), payments of charges for services rendered by the Government of Iran in connection with the overflight of Iran or… Read more

455. Is the provision of routine goods and services by non-U.S. persons to diplomatic missions of the Government of Iran located outside the United States sanctionable under U.S. law?

455 … The provision of goods and services for the conduct of the official business of the diplomatic missions of the Government of Iran located outside the United States or for the personal use of the employees of the missions, including financial services such as the opening of a bank account, by… Read more

37. My bank operates accounts for individuals living in Iran. OFAC has told us that these accounts cannot be operated. Does this mean that the accounts are blocked?

37 … No, the accounts are restricted. The Iranian sanctions prohibit the export of goods or services to Iran. By operating an account for an individual or company in Iran, the bank would be exporting services to that person or entity in violation of the Iranian Transactions Regulations. The… Read more

38. Are U-Turn payments for Iran still permitted?

38 … No, as of November 10, 2008 U-Turn payments are no longer allowed. … Are U-Turn payments for Iran still permitted? …

371. What does OFAC interpret to be debt and equity? Are there other prohibited activities under Directives 1, 2, and 3 under Executive Order (E.O.) 13662? Can U.S. financial institutions continue to maintain correspondent accounts and process U.S. dollar-clearing transactions for the entities subject to the prohibitions of these directives?

371 … The term debt includes bonds, loans, extensions of credit, loan guarantees, letters of credit, drafts, bankers acceptances, discount notes or bills, or commercial paper. The term equity includes stocks, share issuances, depositary receipts, or any other evidence of title or ownership. The… Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence