Frequently Asked Questions

1204. On December 27, 2024, OFAC designated Bidzina Ivanishvili (Ivanishvili) pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14024. Can I continue to engage in transactions or other dealings with entities owned by Ivanishvili that are not listed on OFAC's Specially Designation Nationals and Blocked Person List (SDN List) without facing sanctions risk?

Yes. Although transactions or other dealings involving Ivanishvili are generally prohibited as a result of OFAC's designation, OFAC concurrently issued General License (GL) 116 authorizing U.S. persons to engage in all transactions with any entity owned 50% or more by Ivanishvili provided that such… Read more

1213. For the purposes of the determination of January 10, 2025 made pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 (the "January 2025 Energy Sector Determination"), what is meant by the term "energy sector of the Russian Federation economy"?

On January 10, 2025, the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, issued a determination pursuant to E.O. 14024 that authorizes the imposition of economic sanctions on any person determined to operate or have operated in the energy sector of the Russian Federation… Read more

1214. Does the determination of January 10, 2025, made pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 (the "January 2025 Energy Sector Determination") mean that all persons that operate or have operated in this sector of the Russian Federation economy are sanctioned by OFAC?

No. On January 10, 2025, the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, issued a determination pursuant to E.O. 14024 that authorizes the imposition of economic sanctions on any person determined to operate or have operated in the energy sector of the Russian Federation… Read more

1215. Why did OFAC issue General License (GL) 26 ("Transactions Authorized Pursuant to the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations") in the Ukraine-/Russia-Related Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 589 (URSR)?

GL 26 applies to transactions involving specified persons identified in the Annex to GL 26, who are designated under both the URSR and the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 587 (RuHSR). The purpose of GL 26 is to ensure that transactions authorized or exempt… Read more

1217. I am a U.S. service provider. Following the January 10, 2025 determinations under Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 and E.O. 14071 (the Energy Sector Determination and Petroleum Services Determination, respectively), am I still authorized to provide certain services relating to the maritime transport of Russian crude oil and Russian petroleum products to a non-sanctioned person operating in the energy sector of the Russian economy, so long as the crude oil or petroleum products are purchased at or below the price cap?

Yes, as long as the provision of services does not involve an entity blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024 and is not otherwise prohibited by OFAC sanctions. The price cap policy does not authorize transactions otherwise prohibited by the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR… Read more

1218. How is Treasury planning to implement the President’s February 26 announcement on energy-related authorizations in Venezuela?

Treasury is preparing to take action to wind-down General License 41 and other specific licenses as appropriate. We will issue additional guidance to assist implementation concurrent with any changes to the …

1219. On March 4, 2025, the Department of State (State) designated Ansarallah as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). What actions did OFAC take related to this announcement?

OFAC implemented State's designation of Ansarallah ("the Houthis") as an FTO by updating the existing Ansarallah entry on the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List). Ansarallah was already listed on the SDN List as a result of State's February 16, 2024 designation of the… Read more

1220. How does the Executive Order (E.O.) of June 30, 2025, "Providing for the Revocation of Syria Sanctions," affect OFAC's Syria Sanctions Program?

The E.O. of June 30, 2025 removes sanctions on Syria, effective July 1, 2025, while maintaining sanctions on Bashar al-Assad and certain other destabilizing regional actors. Specifically, the E.O. revokes the following six E.O.s that form the foundation of the Syrian Sanctions Program and… Read more

1221. Can U.S. financial institutions establish relationships with Syrian financial institutions, including the Central Bank of Syria?

Yes. All Syrian financial institutions, including the Central Bank of Syria, have been removed from OFAC's List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN List). Effective July 1, 2025, U.S. persons are not prohibited from providing financial services to Syria, processing payments… Read more

1222. Do I need a specific license from OFAC to export or reexport food or medicine to Syria?

No. The United States no longer maintains comprehensive sanctions on Syria, effective July 1, 2025, following the issuance of the E.O. of June 30, 2025 . You may send U.S.-origin food or medicine to Syria without a specific license from OFAC. Furthermore, the Department of Commerce maintains… Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence