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Iraq-Related Sanctions

Sign up for Iraq-Related Sanctions e-mail updates.

Sanctions Brochures

Sanctions Brochures are an overview of OFAC's regulations with regard to the Iraq-Related Sanctions. They are useful quick reference tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

OFAC has compiled hundreds of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about its sanctions programs and related policies. The link below sends the user to the entire list of OFAC's FAQs.

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. There are currently three interpretive guidance documents that are specifically related to the Iraq-related Sanctions.

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 Iraq. Certain activities related to Iraq 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 Iraq may be allowed if they are licensed by OFAC. Below OFAC has issued guidance and statements on specific licensing policies as they relate to the Iraq-Related Sanctions.

  • 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

General Licenses

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

LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR Iraq-related Sanctions

The Iraq-Related Sanctions represent 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. OFAC may also implement United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs) with regard to the Iraq-Related Sanctions.

Executive Orders

  • 13668 Ending Immunities Granted to the Development Fund for Iraq and Certain Other Iraqi Property and Interests in Property Pursuant to Executive Order 13303, as Amended (May 27, 2014)
  • 13438 Blocking Property of Certain Persons Who Threaten Stabilization Efforts in Iraq (July 17, 2007)
  • 13364 Modifying the Protection Granted to the Development Fund for Iraq (November 29, 2004)
  • 13350 Termination of Emergency Declared in Executive Order 12722 With Respect to Iraq and Modification of Executive Order 13290, Executive Order 13303, and Executive Order 13315 (Effective Date - July 30, 2004)
  • 13315 Blocking Property of the Former Iraqi Regime, Its Senior Officials and Their Family Members, and Taking Certain Other Actions (Effective Date - August 29, 2003)
  • 13303 Protecting the Development Fund for Iraq and Certain Other Property in Which Iraq Has an Interest (May 22, 2003)
  • 13290 Confiscating and Vesting Certain Iraqi Property (March 20, 2003)

Statutes

Code of Federal Regulations

  • 31 CFR Part 575 - Removal of the Iraqi Sanctions Regulations (September 13, 2010)
  • 31 CFR Part 576 - Iraq Stabilization and Insurgency Sanctions Regulations

Federal Register Notices

  • 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
  • 82 FR 61450-17 - Amended Iraq Stabilization and Insurgency Sanctions Regulations
  • 75 FR 55463-10 - Iraq Stabilization and Insurgency Sanctions Regulations - New regulations to implement Executive Orders 13303, 13350, 13364, and 13438
  • 75 FR 55462-10 - Iraqi Sanctions Regulations - Removal of the Iraqi Sanctions Regulations from the Code of Federal Regulations
  • 70 FR 54258-05 - Iraqi Sanctions Regulations - Amendment to unblock debt in which the Government of Iraq has an interest
  • 70 FR 15761-05 - Administrative Collection of Civil Penalties
  • 69 FR 46090-04 - Implementation of Executive Order 13315 with Respect to Iraq; General License No. 1
  • 68 FR 65844-03 - Authorization for U.S. Financial Institutions To Transfer Certain Claims Against the Government of Iraq
  • 68 FR 61362-03 - Removal of Certain Provisions of the Iraqi Sanctions Regulations; Interpretive Guidance
  • 68 FR 61359-03 - Reporting, Procedures and Penalties Regulations; Iraqi Sanctions Regulations; Foreign Terrorist Organizations Sanctions Regulations; Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Sanctions Regulations
  • 68 FR 38188-03 - Authorization of Certain New Transactions
  • 68 FR 11741-03 - Authorization of Certain Humanitarian Activities by Nongovernmental Organizations in Iraq and Iran

United Nations Security Council Resolutions

  • 1546 - Reaffirming the independence, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Iraq; Reaffirming also the right of the Iraqi people freely to determine their own political future and control their own natural resources. (June 08, 2004)
  • 1483 - Reaffirming the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq; Reaffirming also the importance of the disarmament of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction and of eventual confirmation of the disarmament of Iraq. (May 22, 2003)
  • 1293 - Welcoming the report of the Secretary-General of 10 March 2000 (S/2000/208), in particular his recommendation on additions to the current allocation for oil spare parts and equipment pursuant to paragraph 28 of resolution 1284 (1999). (March 31, 2000)
  • 1284 - Stressing the importance of a comprehensive approach to the full implementation of all relevant Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq and the need for Iraqi compliance with these resolutions. (December 17, 1999)
  • 1175 - Welcoming the letter of the Secretary-General of 15 April 1998 (S/1998/330) annexing the summary of the report of the group of experts established pursuant to paragraph 12 of resolution 1153 (1998) and noting the assessment that under existing circumstances Iraq is unable to export petroleum or petroleum products sufficient to produce the total sum of 5.256 billion United States dollars referred to in resolution 1153 (1998). (June 19, 1998)
  • 1158 - Concerned about the resulting humanitarian consequences for the Iraqi people of the shortfall in the revenue from the sale of petroleum and petroleum products during the first 90-day period of implementation of resolution 1143 (1997), due to the delayed resumption in the sale of petroleum by Iraq and a serious price drop since the adoption of resolution 1143 (1997). (March 25, 1998)
  • 1153 - Convinced of the need as a temporary measure to continue to provide for the humanitarian needs of the Iraqi people until the fulfilment by Iraq of the relevant resolutions, including notably resolution 687 (1991) of 3 April 1991. (February 20, 1998)
  • 1143 - Convinced of the need as a temporary measure to continue to provide for the humanitarian needs of the Iraqi people until the fulfilment by Iraq of the relevant resolutions. (December 04, 1997)
  • 1129 - Reaffirming that the implementation period of resolution 1111 (1997) began at 00.01, Eastern Daylight Time, on 8 June 1997, and that the export of petroleum and petroleum products by Iraq pursuant to resolution 1111 (1997) did not require the approval by the Secretary-General of the distribution plan mentioned in paragraph 8 (a) (ii) of resolution 986 (1995). (September 12, 1997)
  • 1111 - Decides that the provisions of resolution 986 (1995), except those contained in paragraphs 4, 11 and 12, shall remain in force for another period of 180 days beginning at 00.01 hours, Eastern Daylight Time, on 8 June 1997. (June 04, 1997)
  • 1051 - Recognizing that the export/import monitoring mechanism is an integral part of ongoing monitoring and verification by the Special Commission and the IAEA. (March 27, 1996)
  • 986 - Concerned by the serious nutritional and health situation of the Iraqi population, and by the risk of a further deterioration in this situation. (April 14, 1995)
  • 778 - Condemning Iraq's continued failure to comply with its obligations under relevant resolutions. (October 02, 1992)
  • 706 - Concerned by the serious nutritional and health situation of the Iraqi civilian population as described in this report, and by the risk of a further deterioration of this situation. (August 15, 1991)
  • 687 - Welcoming the restoration to Kuwait of its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and the return of its legitimate Government. (April 08, 1991)
  • 670 - Condemning further the treatment by Iraqi forces of Kuwaiti nationals, including measures to force them to leave their own country and mistreatment of persons and property in Kuwait in violation of international law. (September 25, 1990)
  • 661 - Determined to bring the invasion and occupation of Kuwait by Iraq to an end and to restore the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Kuwait. (August 06, 1990)