Frequently Asked Questions

164. The Iranian Transactions Regulations (ITR) authorize U.S. depository institutions and U.S. registered brokers or dealers in securities to process transfers of funds to or from Iran if the transfer is a non-commercial, personal remittance. Are U.S. depository institutions and U.S. registered brokers or dealers in securities still authorized to process such payments to or from a Government of Iran-owned bank that is not otherwise designated pursuant to another part of 31 C.F.R. Chapter V?

… brokers or dealers in securities to process noncommercial, personal remittances to or from Iran provided that the payment is not made by, to, or through a financial institution designated … are blocked solely pursuant to E.O. 13599. Exempt or authorized transactions to or from… Read more

844. Do non-U.S. persons risk exposure to U.S. secondary sanctions for engaging in humanitarian-related transactions, or other activities that would be authorized under the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations and General License (GL) L if engaged in by a U.S. person, involving Iranian financial institutions (Iranian FIs) sanctioned pursuant to E.O. 13902?

… for engaging in the sale of agricultural commodities, food, medicine, or medical devices to Iran, as such transactions are generally subject to exceptions in E.O. 13902 and other … List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN List) in connection with … Read more

259. What can a foreign financial institution (FFI) do with the funds resulting from the import of Iranian-origin goods or services once the funds are credited to an account? Can funds be transferred to other accounts?

… to fall within the bounds of the significant reduction exception , any funds owed to Iran as a result of the bilateral trade transaction must be credited to an "account located in … at the same FFI that facilitated the transaction for the importation of goods or services… Read more

932. Do U.S. sanctions prohibit U.S. persons from visiting, or making donations to, the Imam Reza Holy Shrine in Mashhad, Iran?

… 932 … URGENT NOTE: The U.S. Department of State cautions against any travel by U.S. persons to Iran. The Department of State has issued a Level Four Travel Advisory ( Do Not Travel ) for Iran due to the risk of kidnapping, arbitrary arrest, and detention of U.S.… Read more

1088. What are OFAC’s due diligence expectations for cloud-based service or software providers whose services and software support communication tools are authorized by 31 CFR § 560.540?

… or software provider whose non-Iranian customers provide services or software to persons in Iran via the cloud may rely upon the authorization in 31 CFR § 560.540 to provide access to Iran, provided that such provider conducts due diligence based on information… Read more

183. Why did the President issue the GHRAVITY E.O.?

… by the President in response to the commission of human rights abuses by the Governments of Iran and Syria. With the GHRAVITY E.O., the President recognized that the commission of serious human rights abuses against the people of Iran and Syria by their… Read more

203. Can a U.S. person use a listed person to facilitate personal remittances to or from Iran or Syria?

… … Can a U.S. person use a listed person to facilitate personal remittances to or from Iran or Syria? …

600. Why does subsection 1(a)(iv) of E.O. 13846 take effect before November 5, 2018?

… of IFCA on persons determined to: (A) be part of the energy, shipping, shipbuilding sectors of Iran; (B) operate a port in Iran; or (C) knowingly provide significant support to certain other persons sanctioned pursuant … are waived through November 4, 2018 to… Read more

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

… and controls to ensure that the person does not sell, supply, or transfer to or from Iran, or facilitate or conduct a significant financial transaction to sell supply, or transfer to or from Iran, materials listed in section 1245 as sanctioned under section 1245… Read more

1120. Do non-U.S. persons risk exposure to U.S. sanctions for engaging in transactions that U.S. persons would be authorized to engage in under Iran General License (GL) O?

… pursuant to GL O . Non-U.S. persons unable to wind down transactions in accordance with Iran GL O before 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, June 30, 2023, are encouraged to seek guidance … for engaging in transactions that U.S. persons would be authorized to engage in under… Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence