OFAC FAQ Address Sanctions Exemptions Related to Iranian Religious Shrine
The Office of Foreign Assets Control on Sept. 30 issued a new frequently asked question to clarify certain sanctions exemptions related to Iran’s Imam Reza Holy Shrine. While the State Department has urged people not to travel to Iran, OFAC will exempt transactions related to “religious pilgrimages” by U.S. people to the shrine and the “acquisition of goods or services for personal use while traveling.” The agency also exempts certain donations to the shrine, including clothing, food, medicine and other humanitarian goods that are “intended to be used to alleviate human suffering.”
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OFAC stressed that it still blocks certain transactions with sanctioned people and entities related to the shrine, including Astan Quds Razavi and its subsidiary, the Holy Shrine Organization, which oversees the shrine. “U.S. persons are advised to act with caution when considering transactions or activities involving AQR or the Holy Shrine Organization,” OFAC said.