IMPORTANT OFAC UPDATE — PERSONAL AND FAMILY REMITTANCES INVOLVING IRAN
Effective August 24, 2026, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) indefinitely suspended 31 C.F.R. § 560.550, the general license that previously authorized certain noncommercial personal remittances to or from Iran.

What Does This Mean?
As a result of this change, persons contemplating transactions that previously relied upon § 560.550 should determine whether the proposed transaction is authorized under another applicable exemption or general license.
Where no other authorization applies, a specific license from OFAC may be required before proceeding with the transaction.
OFAC has advised that persons may apply for a specific license for transactions involving activities that were previously authorized under § 560.550. Specific-license applications are considered by OFAC on a case-by-case basis, and the time required for a final decision will depend upon the particular circumstances.
Not All Iran-Related Transactions Are Treated the Same
The suspension of § 560.550 does not mean that every transfer of money or property involving Iran is prohibited. The Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations contain other exemptions and general licenses, and OFAC may also authorize particular transactions through specific licenses.
Transactions involving inheritances, gifts, family remittances, property acquired before a person became subject to U.S. sanctions laws, sales or transfers of property, and other Iran-related assets may be governed by different provisions of the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations.
Accordingly, the particular facts and applicable OFAC regulations should be reviewed before funds or property are transferred or a transaction is completed.
OFAC Specific License Applications
Where a proposed transaction is not otherwise exempt or authorized by an applicable general license, it may be appropriate to seek a specific license from OFAC.
Our office assists U.S. persons with analyzing transactions involving Iran under the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations, determining whether an exemption or general license may apply, and, where appropriate, preparing and submitting applications for specific licenses to OFAC.
Regulatory Update: August 24, 2026
This information is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. U.S. economic sanctions laws and regulations are complex and subject to change. Each transaction should be evaluated based upon its particular facts and circumstances.