France, Germany and the U.K. have begun the process to reimpose U.N. sanctions against Iran after accusing the country of failing to meet safeguards around its nuclear program (see 2508150010). The snapback sanctions, if implemented, would reimpose a host of U.N. restrictions that had been paused under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.
House lawmakers have proposed dozens of export control-, sanctions- and foreign investment-related amendments to their chamber’s version of the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), including measures aimed at China, Russia and Turkey.
The Bureau of Industry and Security is removing Samsung China Semiconductor Co., SK hynix Semiconductor (China) and a third SK hynix-owned semiconductor facility in Dalian from the agency’s Validated End-User List, which will make them ineligible for a general authorization that had allowed them to receive certain U.S.-controlled technology. BIS called the VEU program a “loophole” because it allows certain foreign firms to export chip manufacturing equipment and technology to China without a specific license. The final rule takes effect Dec. 31.
The Bureau of Industry and Security will ease export controls on Syria Sept. 2 by creating a new license exception for the country, making it eligible for a broader set of existing exceptions and revising current BIS license review policies for Syria to “be more favorable.”
Alan Turley, the Commerce Department's minister-counselor for commercial affairs stationed at the U.S. embassy in Tokyo, is retiring from the department in September, he announced on LinkedIn. Turley has served in that position since 2021 after working as Commerce's deputy assistant secretary for China and Mongolia during 2016-21.
The Bureau of Industry and Security is extending its public comment periods for two export-related information collections, the agency said this week.
Anthropic, an AI research and development firm, announced a new advisory council of former national security officials and lawmakers that it said will help the firm support the U.S. government and allies build "enduring technological advantages in an era of strategic competition." The "Anthropic National Security and Public Sector Advisory Council" will look to strengthen the technology capabilities of the U.S. and its partners while deepening public-private partnerships, it said.
The Bureau of Industry and Security on Aug. 26 suspended the export privileges of 19 people after they were convicted of export-related offenses, including illegal shipments involving guns, gun parts, ammunition, microdisplays and vehicles. The suspensions took effect from the date of their convictions.
Rep. Maria Salazar, R-Fla., who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, urged the Trump administration Aug. 21 to investigate allegations that a “number” of new companies in South Florida are trying to evade U.S. sanctions on Cuba.
Democrats on the House Foreign Affairs Committee accused the Trump administration Aug. 25 of taking what they see as a conflicting approach to export controls for computing chips.