Treasury Freezes and Unfreezes Global Blacklist Drama
Published Date: 8/18/2025
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Treasury’s OFAC just added some people to its blacklist, meaning their U.S.-based assets are frozen and Americans can’t do business with them. At the same time, some folks got removed from the list, so their assets are now unlocked and business can resume. Plus, OFAC updated info on two others already on the list—keeping things fresh and clear for everyone involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
New SDN Listings Freeze Assets
OFAC added one or more persons to its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List. All property and interests in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction of these persons are blocked, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them.
SDN Removals Unblock Assets
OFAC removed one or more persons from its SDN List. All property and interests in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction of those persons are unblocked, and U.S. persons are permitted to engage in lawful transactions with them.
SDN List Identity Information Updates
OFAC updated the identifying information for two persons already on the SDN List. These updates help U.S. persons, financial institutions, and businesses correctly identify listed parties when checking the SDN List before transactions.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-17487, Publication of a Determination Issued Pursuant to Executive Order 13902.
The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is publishing a sector determination pursuant to a January 10, 2020 Executive Order. The determination was previously issued on OFAC's website.
2026-17491, Publication of Iran-Related Web General Licenses AA and BB
The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control just published two new Iran-related licenses, AA and BB, that let certain businesses wind down their deals with Iranian entities without breaking the rules. These licenses give companies until early October and September 2026 to wrap things up smoothly, avoiding penalties. If you’re involved in these transactions, now’s the time to act and keep everything legal and on track!
2026-17426, Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations
The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is indefinitely suspending five general licenses issued pursuant to the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations to align with changes in the foreign policy of the United States towards Iran.
2026-17265, Notice of OFAC Sanctions Action
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is publishing the names of one or more persons and vessels that have been placed on OFAC's Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List) based on OFAC's determination that one or more applicable legal criteria were satisfied. All property and interests in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction of these persons are blocked, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them. The vessels placed on the SDN List have been identified as property in which a blocked person has an interest.
2026-17332, Notice of OFAC Sanctions Action
The U.S. Treasury’s OFAC just blocked the property of certain people linked to terrorism, like Vasfi Akyuz, stopping Americans from doing business with them. This action started on August 20, 2026, and means any money or property they have under U.S. control is frozen. It’s a strong move to cut off support for groups like Hizballah and keep the financial system safe.
2026-17263, Notice of OFAC Sanctions Action
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is publishing the name of one person that has been placed on OFAC's Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List) based on OFAC's determination that one or more applicable legal criteria were satisfied. All property and interests in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction of this person are blocked, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them.
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