The Biden administration last week restored a sanctions waiver for Iran’s civil nuclear program as the sides continue indirect talks about a U.S. return to the Iranian nuclear deal (see 2112290022). The waiver -- which was notified to Congress last week, according to a senior State Department official -- would allow certain third-party countries to participate in nonproliferation work involving Iran’s nuclear program. The waiver is "essential to ensuring Iran’s swift compliance with its nuclear commitments" under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the official said Feb. 7. "Absent this sanctions waiver, detailed technical discussions with third parties regarding disposition of stockpiles and other activities of nonproliferation value cannot take place."
The Office of Foreign Assets Control on Feb. 3 sanctioned World Human Care, a non-governmental organization created by Indonesia-based terrorist group Majelis Mujahidin Indonesia. OFAC said the group provides financial support for MMI “extremists” in Syria “under the guise of humanitarian aid.”
The Office of Foreign Assets Control issued seven new frequently asked questions to provide more guidance on humanitarian shipments to Afghanistan. The new FAQs, issued Feb. 3, clarify aspects of general licenses 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 for authorized assistance by nongovernmental organizations and international organizations within Afghanistan that may involve transactions with the Taliban. These forms of assistance include cash shipments, bank transactions, support for municipal water systems that "directly benefit the Afghan people," and salary support for teachers and healthcare workers "even to the extent doing so would involve transacting with the Taliban and/or Haqqani Network."
The U.N. Security Council on Jan. 28 amended one Libya-related entry on its sanctions list. The UNSC revised identifying information for Saadi Qadhafi.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned seven people and two entities connected to Myanmar's military, the agency said Jan. 31. The sanctions target KT Services & Logistics Co., which operates the TMT Port in Yangon and leases it from the U.S.-sanctioned Myanmar Economic Holdings, and the Directorate of Procurement of the Commander-In-Chief of Defense Services, which buys arms and equipment for the country’s military. OFAC also designated government officials Thida Oo, Tun Tun Oo and Tin Oo, along with Jonathan Myo Kyaw Thaung, Tay Za, Htoo Htet Tay Za and Pye Phyo Tay Za, all of whom have ties to business dealings with the government.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control on Jan. 31 removed a vessel from its Specially Designated Nationals List. The agency deleted the Oman Pride crude oil tanker, a Liberia-flagged vessel sanctioned last year for being operated by Bravery Maritime, a company owned by Iranian oil shipper Mahmood Rashid Amur Al Habsi (see 2110290024 and 2108130041). OFAC didn’t immediately provide more information.
The U.S. needs to more aggressively monitor transactions that aren't reported to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S., said Nazak Nikakhtar, former acting head of the Bureau of Industry and Security. Nikakhtar, speaking during a Jan. 27 panel discussion hosted by China Tech Threat, said that the transfer of technologies to China, particularly semiconductor production equipment, has allowed it to outpace America in hypersonic missiles and has “placed the U.S. and the world in incredible jeopardy.”
Several federal government agencies issued guidance for doing business in Myanmar Jan. 26. The advisory issued by the departments of State, the Treasury, Commerce, Labor and Homeland Security and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative warns of "heightened risks associated with doing business in the country, and in particular with the military regime." The advisory document warns that businesses and individuals with ties to the military regime may face significant risks, including violations of U.S. anti-money laundering laws and sanctions. The warning strongly suggests that the business community should further review and update their risk assessments associated with continuing to do business with Burma’s state-owned enterprises.
The U.N. Security Council on Jan. 24 removed one entry from its ISIL (Da’esh) and al‑Qaida sanctions list. The council no longer lists Tunisian national Khalil Ben Ahmed Ben Mohamed Jarraya.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control on Jan. 24 extended two Ukraine-related licenses. General License 13Q, which replaces 13P "Authorizing Certain Transactions Necessary to Divest or Transfer Debt, Equity, or Other Holdings in GAZ Group," and General License 15K, which replaces 15J "Authorizing Certain Activities Involving GAZ Group." These licenses were set to expire Jan. 26, via a previous extension issued Dec. 23, 2020. The new licenses are being extended for 90 days, through 12:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, April 27. OFAC also updated its frequently asked questions related to the updated GLs.