OFAC publishes two new Iran sanctions general licenses
The US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has published two new general licenses (GLs S and T) under the Iranian sanctions program. These licenses were previously available on OFAC's website but are now formally published in the Federal Register. Shippers and exporters handling any Iran-related transactions must review these GLs immediately to understand permitted activities and compliance requirements.
Photo: Amir Ghoorchiani / PexelsOFAC publishes Iran sanctions general licenses S and T
On May 7, 2026, the US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) published two general licenses under the Iranian sanctions program: GLs S and T. These licenses were previously made available on OFAC's website but have now been formally published in the Federal Register, giving them official regulatory standing.
General licenses issued by OFAC provide specific exceptions to comprehensive Iran sanctions, allowing certain transactions to proceed without requiring individual written authorization. The publication of GLs S and T in the Federal Register confirms their scope and applicability to persons and entities subject to US jurisdiction.
The Iranian sanctions program remains one of the most complex and heavily enforced sanctions regimes administered by OFAC. Any person or entity engaged in trade involving Iran—including intermediaries, freight forwarders, financial institutions, and exporters—must maintain current knowledge of all active general licenses and their conditions.
"The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is publishing two general licenses (GLs) issued in the Iranian sanctions program: GLs S and T. These GLs were previously made available on OFAC's website."
What this means for shippers
If your supply chain touches Iran or Iranian parties in any capacity—even indirectly through re-exports or transshipment—you must obtain the full text of GLs S and T immediately and confirm your operations comply. Non-compliance with Iran sanctions carries civil penalties up to $250,000 per violation and criminal liability. Review the licenses now and consult your legal and compliance team to map any Iran-related activity against the GL terms. /sanctions-screen
