ofac iran travel

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

The .gov means it’s official.

Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure.

The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Iran Sanctions

Important Advisories and Information

Iran Ballistic Missile Procurement Advisory (October 18, 2023)
Fact Sheet: Provision of Humanitarian Assistance and Trade to Combat COVID-19 (June 14, 2023)
Guidance to Industry on Iran's UAV-Related Activities (June 09, 2023)
Non-English Translations of this Guidance
Deceptive Practices by Iran with respect to the Civil Aviation Industry (July 23, 2019)
Financial Channels to Facilitate Humanitarian Trade with Iran and Related Due Diligence and Reporting Expectations (October 25, 2019)
Iran-related Shipping Advisory (September 3, 2019)
Notice on the Re-imposition of the Sanctions on Iran that had Been Lifted or Waived Under the JCPOA (November 4, 2018)
List of Medical Devices Requiring Specific Authorization (February 27, 2017)

Interpretive Guidance

OFAC issues interpretive guidance on specific issues related to the sanctions programs it administers. These interpretations of OFAC policy are sometimes published in response to a public request for guidance or may be released proactively by OFAC in order to address a complex topic.

Guidance on the Provision of Certain Services Relating to the Requirements of U.S. Sanctions Laws
Guidance on Certain Publishing Activities
Interpretive Guidance And Statement of Licensing Policy on Internet Freedom in Iran
Substantive Enhancement of Information (Iran)
Guidance on Internet Connectivity (Iran)
Exports/Aircraft Safety (Iran)
Equipment to manufacture goods which may be sold to Iran
Internet Access to Informational Materials (Iran)
Export of Services - Surveys & Interviews (Iran)
Iran: Travel Exemption
Posting of Information from Iran on Website
Index of All Published Interpretative Guidance

Frequently Asked Questions

OFAC has compiled hundreds of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about its sanctions programs and related policies. The links below send the user to the Iran Sanctions FAQ topic page and to OFAC's main FAQ page.

Iran Sanctions FAQ Topic Page
OFAC Frequently Asked Questions
Questions Regarding CISADA (Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010)
Questions Regarding Executive Order 13599 (Blocking Property of the Government of Iran and Iranian Financial Institutions)
Questions Regarding the NDAA (Section 1245 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012)
Questions Regarding the Executive Order 13606 (Blocking the Property and Suspending Entry Into the United States of Certain Persons With Respect to Grave Human Rights Abuses by the Governments of Iran and Syria via Information Technology)
Questions Regarding the Executive Order 13608 (Prohibiting Certain Transactions with and Suspending Entry into the United States of Foreign Sanctions Evaders with Respect to Iran and Syria)
Questions Regarding the Executive Order 13622 (Authorizing Additional Sanctions With Respect to Iran)
Questions Related to Treasury CISADA Findings Against Bank of Kunlun
Questions Related to Determination Pursuant to Section 312 of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act
Questions Regarding Section 4 of Executive Order 13628 (Authorizing the Implementation of Certain Sanctions Set Forth in the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 and Additional Sanctions with Respect to Iran)
Questions Related to the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations and the Statement of Licensing Procedure on Support Of Human Rights, Humanitarian, and Democracy-Related Activities With Respect to Iran
Questions relating to key provisions of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 (expands the scope of sanctionable transactions with the Central Bank of Iran and designated Iranian financial institutions)
Questions Regarding the Executive Order 13645 (Authorizing the Implementation of Certain Sanctions Set Forth in the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act of 2012 and Additional Sanctions With Respect To Iran)
Questions Regarding the General License for the Export of Basic Medical Devices to Iran
Questions related to Iran General License D-1
Questions Regarding Payments or the Facilitation of Payments to Iranian Civil Aviation Authorities for Overflights of Iran or Emergency Landing in Iran
Question related to the Provision of Routine Goods and Services by non-U.S. persons to Diplomatic Missions of the Government of Iran
Additional Iran-related Questions From Financial Institutions
Additional OFAC Frequently Asked Questions

List of Foreign Sanctions Evaders (FSE)

On May 1, 2012, the President signed Executive Order 13608, “Prohibiting Certain Transactions With and Suspending Entry Into the United States of Foreign Sanctions Evaders With Respect to Iran and Syria.” This Executive Order strengthens Treasury’s ability to address behavior by foreign individuals and entities determined to have violated, attempted to violate, conspired to violate, or caused a violation of U.S. sanctions on Syria or Iran.

Foreign Sanctions Evaders List Page

List of CISADA and NDAA Prohibitions or Conditions

Changes to the Part 561 List (PDF)
Changes to the Part 561 List (Text)
Archive of Changes to the Part 561 List

Applying for a Specific OFAC License

It may be in your and the U.S. government’s interest to authorize particular economic activity related to Iran. Certain activities related to Iran may be allowed if they are licensed by OFAC. Visit the link below to apply for an OFAC license.

Apply for an OFAC License Online - Authorization from OFAC to engage in a transaction that otherwise would be prohibited.
Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 (TSRA) Program Information and TSRA License Application Process - Guidance and licensing information for exports of agricultural commodities, medicine, and medical devices

General Licenses

OFAC issues general licenses in order to authorize activities that would otherwise be prohibited with regard to Iran. General licenses allow all US persons to engage in the activity described in the general license without needing to apply for a specific license.

Iran General License (No. J-1) - Authorizing the Reexportation of Certain Civil Aircraft to Iran on Temporary Sojourn and Related Transactions (Amended 12/15/2016)
Iran General License (No. G) - Certain Academic Exchanges and the Exportation or Importation of Certain Educational Services Authorized
Iran General License (No. F) - Authorizing Certain Services in Support of Professional and Amateur Sports Activities and Exchanges Involving the United States and Iran
Iran General License (No. E) - Authorizing Certain Services in Support of Nongovernmental Organizations’ Activities in Iran
Iran General License (No. D-2) - General License with Respect to Certain Services, Software, and Hardware Incident to Communications
List of Medical Devices Requiring Specific Authorization
Iran General License - Authorizing the Exportation or Reexportation of Food Items
Iran General License - Authorizing the Exportation or Reexportation of Replacement Parts for Certain Medical Devices- Authorizing the Exportation or Reexportation of Replacement Parts for Certain Medical Devices
Iran General License - Related to Consular Funds Transfers and to the Transportation of Human Remains
Iran General License Related to Personal Communication Services - Exportation of certain services and software over the internet
Iran General License (No. 2) - Authorizing U.S. persons who are employees or contractors of six international organizations to perform transactions for the conduct of the official business of those organizations in or involving Iran
Iran General License 8A - Authorizing Certain Humanitarian Trade Transactions Involving the Central Bank of Iran or the National Iranian Oil Company
Iran General License L - Authorizing Certain Transactions Involving Iranian Financial Institutions Blocked Pursuant to Executive Order 13902
Iran General License M-2 - Authorizing the Exportation of Certain Graduate Level Educational Services and Software
Iran General License N-2 - Authorizing Certain Activities to Respond to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Iran General License O - Authorizing Wind-Down and Limited Safety and Environmental Transactions Involving Certain Vessels
Archive of Revoked and Expired General Licenses

Guidance on OFAC Licensing Policy

Certain activities related to Iran may be allowed if they are licensed by OFAC. Below OFAC has issued guidance and statements on specific licensing policies as they relate to Iran.

Licenses for Legal Fees and Costs - Guidance on the Release of Limited Amounts of Blocked Funds for Payment of Legal Fees and Costs Incurred in Challenging the Blocking of U.S. Persons in Administrative or Civil Proceedings
Entities Owned By Blocked Persons - Guidance On Entities Owned By Persons Whose Property And Interests In Property Are Blocked
Statement of Licensing Policy related to the support of democracy and human rights in Iran and academic and cultural exchange programs
Statement Of Licensing Procedure on support of human rights-, humanitarian-, and democracy related activities with respect to Iran

Graphics of Iran-related Economic Activity

Islamic Revolution Mostazafan Foundation (Bonyad Mostazafan) Network Association Chart (November 2020)
IRGC's Financial Lifeline (October 2018)
Mahan Air Designations - June 2017 to June 2018
Chart of Iran Revolutionary Guards Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) Currency Exchange Network (English Version)
Chart of Iran Revolutionary Guards Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) Currency Exchange Network (Farsi Version)

LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR IRAN SANCTIONS

The Iran Sanctions program represents the implementation of multiple legal authorities. Some of these authorities are in the form of executive orders issued by the President. Other authorities are public laws (statutes) passed by The Congress. These authorities are further codified by OFAC in its regulations which are published in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Modifications to these regulations are posted in the Federal Register. In addition to all of these authorities, OFAC may also implement United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs) with regard to Iran.

Executive Orders

13949 - Blocking Property of Certain Persons with Respect to the Conventional Arms Activities of Iran
13902 - Imposing Sanctions With Respect to Additional Sectors of Iran
13876 - Imposing Sanctions with Respect to Iran
13871 - Imposing Sanctions with Respect to the Iron, Steel, Aluminum, and Copper Sectors of Iran
13846 - Reimposing Certain Sanctions With Respect To Iran
13608 - Prohibiting Certain Transactions With and Suspending Entry Into the United States of Foreign Sanctions Evaders With Respect to Iran and Syria (Effective Date - May 1, 2012)
13606 - Blocking the Property and Suspending Entry Into the United States of Certain Persons With Respect to Grave Human Rights Abuses by the Governments of Iran and Syria via Information Technology (Effective Date - April 23, 2012)
13599 - Blocking Property of the Government of Iran and Iranian Financial Institutions (Effective Date - February 6, 2012)
13553 - Blocking Property of Certain Persons With Respect to Serious Human Rights Abuses By The Government of Iran and Taking Certain Other Actions (Effective Date - September 29, 2010)
13059 - Prohibiting Certain Transactions With Respect to Iran (Effective Date - August 20, 1997)
12959 - Prohibiting Certain Transactions With Respect to Iran (Effective Date - May 7, 1995)
12957 - Prohibiting Certain Transactions With Respect to the Development of Iranian Petroleum Resources (Effective Date - March 16, 1995)
12613 - Prohibiting Imports From Iran (Effective Date - October 29, 1987)
12294 - Suspension of Litigation Against Iran (Effective Date - February 26, 1981)
12284 - Restrictions on the Transfer of Property of the Former Shah of Iran (Effective Date - January 23, 1981)
12283 - Non-Prosecution of Claims of Hostages and for Actions at the United States Embassy and Elsewhere (Effective Date - January 23, 1981)
12282 - Revocation of Prohibitions Against Transactions Involving Iran (Effective Date - January 23, 1981)
12281 - Direction To Transfer Certain Iranian Government Assets (Effective Date - January 23, 1981)
12280 - Direction To Transfer Iranian Government Financial Assets Held By Non-Banking Institutions (Effective Date - January 23, 1981)
12279 - Direction To Transfer Iranian Govt. Assets Held By Domestic Banks (Effective Date - January 23, 1981)
12278 - Direction To Transfer Iranian Government Assets Overseas (Effective Date - January 23, 1981)
12277 - Direction To Transfer Iranian Government Assets (Effective Date - January 23, 1981)
12276 - Direction Relating to Establishment of Escrow Accounts (Effective Date - January 23, 1981)
12211 - Prohibiting Certain Transactions With Iran (Effective Date - April 17, 1980)
12205 - Prohibiting Certain Transactions With Iran (Effective Date - April 17, 1980)
12170 - Blocking Iranian Government Property (Effective Date - November 14, 1979)
Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 (AEDPA), 18 U.S.C. § 2332d
Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010, Public Law 111-195, As Amended Through Public Law 112-239, Enacted January 2, 2013
Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), Public Law 115-44
Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act of 2012 (IFCA) (Public Law 112-239)
International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), 50 U.S.C. §§ 1701-1706
Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, as Amended, 50 U.S.C. § 1701 note
International Security and Development Cooperation Act of 1985 (ISDCA), 22 U.S.C. § 2349aa-9
Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 H.R. 1905 (Public Law 112-158)
Section 1245 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012, P.L. 112-81, As Amended Through Public Law 115-91, Enacted December 12, 2017
National Emergencies Act (NEA), 50 U.S.C. §§ 1601-1651
Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 (TSRA), 22 U.S.C. §§ 7201-7211

Code of Federal Regulations

31 CFR Part 535 - Iranian Assets Control Regulations
31 CFR Part 560 - Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations
31 CFR Part 561 - Iranian Financial Sanctions Regulations
31 CFR Part 562 - Iranian Human Rights Abuses Sanctions Regulations

Federal Register Notices

88 FR 46688-23 - Publication of Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations Web General License P
88 FR 45816-23 - Publication of Covid-Related Web General Licenses Related to Syria Sanctions Regulations, Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations, Global Terrorism Sanctions Regulations, and Venezuela Sanctions Regulations.
88 FR 32105-23 - Publication of Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations Web General License O
88 FR 25491-23 - Publication of Corrections in the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations
87 FR 78484-22 - Publication of Humanitarian Sanctions Regulations Amendment and General Licenses (Nongovernmental Organizations, Agricultural, and Medicine)
87 FR 78470-22 - Publication of United States Government and International Organizations Official Business Sanctions Regulations Amendment and General Licenses
87 FR 62003-22 - Publication of Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations Web General License D–2
87 FR 58450-22 - Publication of Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations and Global Terrorism Sanctions Regulations Web General Licenses 8 and 8A
87 FR 58449-22 - Publication of Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations Web General License M and Subsequent Iterations
87 FR 47932-22 - Publication of Covid-Related Web General Licenses Related to Syria Sanctions Regulations, Iran Transactions and Sanctions Regulations, Global Terrorism Sanctions Regulations, and Venezuela Sanctions Regulations
85 FR 61823-20 - Amended Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations
84 FR 38545-19 - Amended Iranian Sanctions Regulations Regarding the Iron, Steel, Aluminum, and copper Sectors of Iran
84 FR 9456-19 - Amendment for the List of Foreign Financial Institutions Subject to Correspondent Account or Payable-Through Account Sanctions (CAPTA List)
83 FR 55269-18 - Amendment of the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations
83 FR 30335-18 - Amendment to the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. Part 560 ("ITSR")
81 FR 94254-16 - Changes to the Iran TSRA regulations and definition of Iranian-origin goods
79 FR 18990-14 - Final Rule Amending the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations by expanding an existing general license that authorizes the exportation or reexportation of food to individuals and entities in Iran to include the broader category of agricultural commodities.
78 FR 16403-13 - Amendment to the Iranian Financial Sanctions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. part 561 (the “IFSR”), to implement sections 503 and 504 of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 (the “TRA”) and certain provisions of Executive Order 13622
77 FR 75845-12 - Publication of Final Rule Amending the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR Part 560
77 FR 66918-12 - Amendments to the Iranian Financial Sanctions Regulations to implement sections 214 through 216 of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012
77 FR 64666-12 - 31 CFR Part 560 - Iranian Transactions Regulations; Final Rule
77 FR 16170-12 - Amendment to the Iranian Transactions Regulations to redefine the term "entity owned or controlled by the Government of Iran" to substantially conform to the definition in the amended Iranian Financial Sanctions Regulations
77 FR 11724-12 - Amendment to the Iranian Financial Sanctions Regulations: Implementing subsection 1245(d) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 ("NDAA")
76 FR 63197-11 - Iranian Transactions Regulations - Amendments to authorize certain consular funds transfers and the transportation of human remains
76 FR 63191-11 - Iranian Transactions Regulations - Amendments to authorize the exportation or reexportation of food items
76 FR 7695-11 - Iranian Transactions Regulations - regulations with respect to Iran to implement Executive Order 13553
75 FR 59611-10 - Iranian Transactions Regulations - Amendment to remove general licenses authorizing the importation of, and dealings in, certain foodstuffs and carpets of Iranian origin and related services
75 FR 49836-10 - Iranian Financial Sanctions Regulations - New regulations to implement the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010
75 FR 34630-10 - Amendment to the Iranian Transactions Regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations to expand the scope of Appendix A to Part 560 to encompass any person determined by OFAC to be the Government of Iran
75 FR 10997-10 - Amendments to authorize certain types of exportation
74 FR 61030-09 - An interim final rule which makes technical changes to certain sections of the Sudanese Sanctions Regulations and the Iranian Transactions Regulations, 31 CFR parts 538 and 560
74 FR 36397-09 - Allows U.S. banks to continue operating the accounts of U.S. persons who are temporarily in Iran
73 FR 73788-08 - Final rule amending the Iranian Transactions Regulations to expand the scope of Appendix A
73 FR 66541-08 - Revoking an authorization previously granted to U.S. depository institutions to process U-turn transfers
72 FR 15831-07 - Amendment to the Iranian Transactions Regulations related to the movement of specific goods via diplomatic pouch
72 FR 12980-07 - Clarification of Policy with Respect to the Process for Issuing Certain TSRA Licenses
71 FR 53569-06 - Treasury Cuts Iran's Bank Saderat Off From U.S. Financial System
71 FR 48795-06 - Official Activities of Certain U.S. Organizations
71 FR 29251-06 - Revisions to IEEPA made by the Combating Terrorism Financing Act of 2005
70 FR 15761-05 - Administrative Collection of Civil Penalties
70 FR 15583-05 - Broker-dealer amendment to ITR.
69 FR 75468-04 - General License for Publishing Activities
68 FR 11741-03 - Authorization of Certain Humanitarian Activities by Nongovernmental Organizations in Iraq and Iran
68 FR 9744-03 - Correction to 68 FR 8077 - Payments to Persons Who Hold Certain Categories of Judgments Against Cuba or Iran
68 FR 8077-03 - Payments to Persons Who Hold Certain Categories of Judgments Against Cuba or Iran
67 FR 75897-02 - Payments to Persons Who Hold Certain Categories of Judgments Against Cuba or Iran
66 FR 38553-01 - Amendments to the Iranian Assets Control Regulations
66 FR 36683-01 - Exports of Agricultural Products, Medicines, and Medical Devices to Cuba, Sudan, Libya, and Iran; Cuba Travel-Related Transactions
65 FR 70382-00 - Payments to Persons Who Hold Certain Categories of Judgments Against Cuba or Iran Payments to Persons Who Hold Certain Categories of Judgments Against Cuba or Iran

United Nations Security Council Resolutions

2231 - Endorses the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (20 July 2015)
1929 - Reaffirming its commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. (9 June 2010)
1803 - Reaffirming its commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. (3 March 2008)
1747 - Reaffirming its commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. (24 March 2007)
1737 - Reaffirming its commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. (23 December 2006)
1696 - Reaffirming its commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. (31 July 2006)
461 - Reaffirming resolution 457 (1979) in all its aspects (31 December 1979)

Situation in Haiti April 13, 2024

U.s. citizens in haiti, update april 12, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

Travel Advisories |
Contact Us |
MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Before You Go

Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

Emergencies

Share this page:

Travel Advisory January 11, 2024

Iran - level 4: do not travel.

Updated to add the Terrorism Risk Indicator and risk of surrogacy tourism.

Do not travel to Iran due to the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and the arbitrary arrest of U.S. citizens . Exercise increased caution due to wrongful detentions .

Country Summary: U.S. citizens should not travel to Iran for any reason. U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Iran have been kidnapped, arrested, and detained on spurious charges.

Iranian authorities continue to unjustly detain and imprison U.S. nationals, particularly dual national U.S.-Iranian nationals--including students, journalists, business travelers, and academics--on charges including espionage and posing a threat to national security. Iranian authorities routinely delay consular access to detained U.S. nationals and consistently deny consular access to dual U.S.-Iranian nationals.

Violent extremist groups, including U.S. government-designated terrorist organizations, operate in Iran. ISIS and affiliated groups have claimed responsibility for bombings and other attacks in Iran. The threat of terrorist activity persists, as does the risk of death or injury to bystanders.

The U.S. government does not have diplomatic or consular relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The U.S. government is unable to provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Iran.

Companies offering surrogacy services in Iran are misrepresenting the security situation in Iran and the risks of the unregulated surrogacy tourism industry. Private companies that arrange such visits and services put U.S. citizens in danger.

Due to the risks of operating civilian aircraft within or in the vicinity of Iran, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices .

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Iran.

If you are currently in Iran:

Consider the risks involved in possessing dual U.S. Iranian nationality .
Review your personal security plan and visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .
Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.
Establish your own personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization or consider consulting with a professional security organization.
Leave DNA samples with your medical provider.
Have a plan for departing Iran that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter/X .
Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

One page required for entry stamp

Yes, except for Kish Island

No proof of vaccination is required

Over €10,000

Over €5,000

Embassies and Consulates

Embassy of Switzerland – Foreign Interests Section

Pasdaran, Shahid Mousavi St. (Golestan 5 th) Corner of Paydarfard St., No. 55, Pasdaran Avenue Tehran, Iran Telephone: (98) (21) 2254-2178 and (98) (21) 2256-5273 Emergency Telephone: (41) (58) 465-3333 Fax: (98) (21) 2258-0432 Email: [email protected] Website: www.eda.admin.ch/tehranfi Virtual Embassy Tehran

All consular services require prior appointments which can be made by phone. The Foreign Interests Section can be reached by phone Sunday through Thursday between 7:45 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

The Foreign Interests Section does not issue U.S. visas or accept visa applications. The Foreign Interests Section provides limited consular services to U.S. citizens in Tehran including:

Registering U.S. citizens;
Responding to inquiries concerning the welfare and whereabouts of U.S. citizens in Iran;
Rendering assistance in times of distress or physical danger;
Providing U.S. citizens with passport and Social Security card applications and other citizenship forms for processing at the U.S. Embassy in Bern, Switzerland;
Performing notarial services;
Taking provisional custody of the personal effects of deceased U.S. citizens; and
Providing Social Security Administration assistance to retired U.S. citizens residing in Iran.

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Iran for information on U.S.-Iran relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Before traveling to Iran, please consider the current Travel Advisory .

The Travel Advisory for Iran is Level 4, Do Not Travel. The Department of State recommends U.S. citizens do not travel to Iran due to the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and the arbitrary arrest of U.S. citizens. Exercise increased caution due to wrongful detentions.

Iranian authorities continue to wrongfully detain and imprison U.S. citizens, particularly U.S.-Iranian dual nationals, on charges including espionage and posing a threat to national security. Iranian authorities have also prevented the departure of U.S. citizens from Iran. U.S. citizens of Iranian origin should consider the risk of being targeted by authorities before planning travel to Iran. Iranian authorities routinely deny dual nationals access to the Foreign Interests Section of the Embassy of Switzerland in Tehran because they consider dual nationals to be solely Iranian citizens.

U.S. passports are valid for travel to Iran. However, U.S.-Iranian dual nationals must enter and exit Iran on Iranian passports. As indicated above, the Iranian government does not recognize dual nationality and will treat U.S.-Iranian dual nationals solely as Iranian citizens. Iranian authorities may consider some U.S. citizens – even those without Iranian passports who do not consider themselves to be Iranian – to be Iranian nationals.

U.S. government employees, including contractors, are strictly prohibited from traveling to Iran without prior authorization from the Department of State.

U.S.-Iranian dual nationals should obtain, in their Iranian passports, the necessary visas for the countries they will transit on their return trip to the United States so that if the U.S. passports are confiscated in Iran, they may depart Iran with their Iranian passports. These individuals can then apply for new U.S. passports in the country they are transiting.

U.S. citizens residing in Iran on permanent resident visas must obtain an exit permit each time they depart Iran, regardless of the period of stay. All Iranian passport holders are required to pay an exit tax. More specific information on Iranian passport and exit permit requirements may be obtained from the Iranian Interests Section of the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C.

The Iranian civil code states that women who marry Iranian men acquire Iranian nationality. If the marriage takes place in Iran, the woman’s U.S. passport may be confiscated by Iranian authorities. A woman must have the consent of her husband to leave Iran or, in his absence, consent from another suitable authority. The Foreign Interests Section of the Embassy of Switzerland in Tehran can provide only limited assistance if a U.S. citizen woman married to an Iranian man encounters difficulty in leaving Iran. In addition, if marriage to an Iranian citizen is not officially recognized by the Iranian government, the couple will be committing the crime of adultery if they travel together, the maximum penalty for which is death.

Please contact the Swiss Embassy or appropriate Iranian authorities for special circumstances cases involving divorce and custody rights in Iran.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to Iran. If you intend to reside in Iran, you must submit to a blood test, which may include an HIV test, in order to apply for a residency permit. Permits will be refused if the HIV test is positive.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction , and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

As noted in the Travel Advisory for Iran, U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Iran face a significant threat of kidnapping or arrest and detention on spurious charges.

U.S. citizens who travel to Iran despite the Travel Advisory should exercise caution throughout the country, but especially in the southeastern region where foreigners have been victims of criminal gangs. U.S. citizens should avoid travel to areas within 100 kilometers of the border with Afghanistan, near the Iraq border, and generally anywhere east of the line from Bam and Bandar Abbas toward the Pakistani border.

Terrorism: In Iran, there is potential for death or injury because of terrorist attacks. Violent extremist groups, including U.S. government-designated terrorist organizations, operate in Iran. ISIS and affiliated groups have claimed responsibility for bombings and other attacks in Iran. The threat of terrorist activity persists, as does the risk of death or injury to bystanders. Additionally, Iran is a designated state-sponsor of terrorism.

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Crime: Foreigners occasionally become victims of petty street crime, including robberies and bag-snatchings, in Iran. There have been reports of robberies by police impersonators, usually in civilian clothing. Insist on seeing the officer’s identity card and request the presence of a uniformed officer/marked patrol car. Travelers should take the following precautions:

Do not surrender any documents or cash;
Make a copy of your U.S. passport (biographical data page and the page with your Iranian visa) and keep it separate from your original passport;
Do not carry large amounts of hard currency while on the streets;
Keep important documents such as passports and valuables in hotel safes or other secure locations;
Take pre-booked taxis, which are safer than those hailed from the street;
Check with your hotel or tour guide for information on local scams; and
Do not buy counterfeit or pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, purchasing them may also violate local law.

Demonstrations occur sporadically. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Past demonstrations have turned violent.

As demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.
Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Iranian security personnel may at times place foreign visitors under surveillance. Hotel rooms, telephones, computers, fax machines, and other electronics may be monitored, and personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched. The Iranian authorities may also confiscate cell phones, computers, and other devices. U.S. citizens should consider not taking electronic devices to Iran or deleting personal information from them beforehand.

Disaster Preparedness: Iran is prone to earthquakes, many of them severe. To learn more about the seismic regions of Iran, including the most recent earthquakes, please visit the U.S. Geological Survey website .

International Financial Scams: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.

Victims of Crime:

Report crimes to the local police by dialing 110 and contact the Embassy of Switzerland’s Foreign Interests Section at (98) (21) 2254-2178. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Iran is: 115 for ambulance service, 125 for fire, and 110 for police. English speakers, however, are generally unavailable.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

The Department of State, through the Embassy of Switzerland’s Foreign Interests Section, can:

Replace a stolen or lost passport;
Help you find appropriate medical care;
Assist you in reporting a crime to the police;
Contact relatives or friends with your written consent;
Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms;
Provide a list of local attorneys;
Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States; and
Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States.

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy of Switzerland’s Foreign Interests Section for assistance. U.S. citizens should note that the Foreign Interests Section may be able to provide limited assistance only and that Iranian law does not prohibit domestic violence.

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Long prison terms and solitary confinement are common as are punishments including execution, amputation, flogging, blinding, stoning, and fines. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Examples of local laws that you may be unfamiliar with include:

Former Muslims who have converted to other religions, as well as persons who encourage Muslims to convert, are subject to arrest and possible execution;
Drinking, possession of alcoholic beverages, and drugs are illegal. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Iran are severe and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Iran executes many people each year on drug-related charges. Penalties for the possession, use, or smuggling of alcoholic beverages may include fines, jail time, or flogging;
Men and women must adhere to the government-sanctioned dress code; this includes covered hair, arms, and legs for women. The government considers the failure to adhere to its dress code and public displays of affection to be crimes;
Relations between non-Muslim men and Muslim women are illegal, as are adultery and sex outside of marriage, which are punishable by the death penalty;
Data storage devices (e.g. DVDs, SD cards) depicting sexual relations and magazines showing unveiled women are forbidden;
Photography near military and other government installations is strictly prohibited and could result in serious criminal charges, including espionage, which carries the death penalty;
Importation of pork products is banned; and
Insulting the government or Muslim faith is strictly forbidden, including on social media. Such violations of Iranian law may result in imprisonment.

Carry a copy of your U.S. passport (biodata page and page with Iranian visa) and some other form of identification with you at all times so that, if questioned by local officials, proof of U.S. citizenship is readily available.

If you are arrested while in Iran, request that the police and prison officials notify the Foreign Interests Section at the Embassy of Switzerland in Tehran immediately to ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances. Under Iranian law, detainees may also request legal representation, although the authorities sometimes fail to allow timely access to attorneys.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal: The Iranian government reportedly has the names of all individuals who filed claims against Iran at the Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal at The Hague pursuant to the 1981 Algerian Accords. In addition, the Iranian government reportedly has compiled a list of the claimants who were awarded compensation in the Iran Claims Program administered by the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission. The Iranian government has allegedly been targeting award-holders who travel to Iran. Some former claimants have reported being questioned by Iranian authorities upon their entry into Iran as to the status of payment of their respective awards with a view to recouping the award money. The Iranian government has also reportedly threatened to prevent U.S. claimants who visit Iran from departing the country until they repay their award.

Dual Nationality: U.S. citizens who also possess Iranian citizenship are subject to laws that impose special obligations on citizens of Iran, such as military service or taxes. Iranian-citizen males aged 18-34 are required to perform military service, unless exempt. Young men who have turned 17 years of age will not be allowed to leave Iran without completing their military service.

Money: Non-Iranian credit cards and bank cards cannot be used in Iran. You will not be able to access U.S. or foreign bank accounts using ATMs in Iran. You can exchange U.S. dollars for rials, either at banks or with certified money changers. There is no Western Union or similar institution, and bank transfers are not possible. Due to economic sanctions on Iran, U.S. financial institutions have been known to block or freeze accounts accessed via the Internet from Iran.

Communication: Pre-paid overseas calling cards are available at most newsagents. The Internet is widely used in Iran. There are Internet cafes in most hotels; however, usage may be monitored. The Iranian government blocks access to many social media sites.

Sanctions: U.S. government economic sanctions prohibit most economic activity between U.S. citizens and Iran. The U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has posted to its website frequently asked questions (FAQs) that provide guidance on U.S. sanctions related to Iran. For further information, consult OFAC’s Iran sanctions resource page or contact OFAC’s Compliance Programs Division at 202-622-2490 or obtain information via fax at 202-622-0077.

For information concerning licensing of imports or exports, contact OFAC’s Licensing Division at by phone at 202-622-2480 or fax at 202-622-1657.

Faith-Based Travelers: Freedom of religion, belief, or non-belief is not protected in Iran. See the following webpages for details:

Faith-Based Travel Information
International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
Human Rights Report – see country reports
Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers: Same-sex relationships in Iran are criminalized and are punishable by death, flogging, or a lesser punishment. LGBTQI+ individuals are often subject to violence and the law does not prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics or recognize LGBTQI+ individuals, couples, or families.

See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Iran prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities, and the law is enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States. The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities and access to services. Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

Women in Iran lack certain basic rights such as the freedom to choose their style of dress and restrictions on freedoms of expression and assembly. Gender-based violence is more common in Iran than the U.S., especially in rural areas, and reports of this violence in recent years have steadily increased. “Honor killings” or other harmful practices involving mostly women killed by their male relatives in the name of preserving the family’s “honor” are known to occur. There are also reports of fathers or relatives forcing their female family members to enter a marriage against their will. Domestic violence remains a taboo subject in Iran, and Iranian law does not prohibit domestic violence. Hijab enforcement in Iran is becoming stricter. The Government has deployed Hijab enforcers in public to ensure compliance. Hijab defiance has led to assault, arrest and even death.

For emergency services in Iran, dial 115.

Ambulance services are

Widely available but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards;
Not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment; and
Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Ministry of Health to ensure the medication is legal in Iran.

Basic medical care and medicine are available in the principal cities but may not be available in rural areas in Iran. Medical facilities do not meet U.S. standards and sometimes lack medicine and supplies.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

World Health Organization
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy

Companies offering surrogacy services, an unregulated industry, are misrepresenting the security situation in Iran. Private companies that arrange such visits and services put U.S. citizens at risk.
If you are considering traveling to Iran to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our ART and Surrogacy Abroad webpage . Carefully consider the length of time needed to obtain a newborn’s required civil documents to avoid any unintended overstay of your visa.

Air Quality

Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in Iran particularly in Ahvaz, Tehran, and Zabol. Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you and consult your doctor before traveling if necessary.
Infants, children, and teens;
People over 65 years of age;
People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema;
People with heart disease or diabetes; and
People who work or are active outdoors.

Water Scarcity: Iran has a water scarcity issue throughout the country, largely impacting rural communities. Iran is prone to significant droughts in the hot summer months. In cities outside of Tehran, water may be harder to obtain given the availability in those regions and larger water reserves servicing the capital. Tap water in Iran is relatively safe, however it is recommended to consume bottled water, which is regularly available.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: While in Iran, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. Travelers in possession of International Driver’s Permits may drive in Iran, though the Foreign Interests Section in Iran does not recommend that tourists do so. Iran has a very high rate of traffic accidents, the second highest cause of mortality in the country. Drivers throughout Iran tend to ignore traffic lights, traffic signs, and lane markers. Urban streets are not well lit; it is therefore particularly dangerous to drive at night. Sidewalks in urban areas exist only on main roads and are usually obstructed by parked cars. In residential areas, few sidewalks exist. Drivers almost never yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. If you are involved in an accident, no matter how minor, do not leave the scene; wait until the police arrive to file a report.

Traffic Laws: Iranian authorities sometimes set up informal roadblocks, both in cities and on highways, often manned by young, inexperienced officers who are suspicious of foreigners. Carry identification with you and avoid getting into disputes.

See our Road Safety page for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Iran, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Iran’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Iran should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport  website, and the  NGA broadcast warnings website.

Port Security: The Commandant of the Coast Guard has determined that effective anti-terrorism measures are not in place in Iranian ports and has imposed conditions of entry on vessels that arrive in U.S. ports having visited ports in Iran. Mariners and passengers traveling through the ports of Iran should exercise increased caution.

For additional travel information

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories .
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook .
See traveling safely abroad for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Iran . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, learn about your destination, enroll in step.

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Make two copies of all of your travel documents in case of emergency, and leave one with a trusted friend or relative.

Afghanistan

Antigua and Barbuda

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba

Bosnia and Herzegovina

British Virgin Islands

Burkina Faso

Burma (Myanmar)

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Cote d Ivoire

Curaçao

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Falkland Islands

France (includes Monaco)

French Guiana

French Polynesia

French West Indies

Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy (French West Indies)

Guinea-Bissau

Isle of Man

Israel, The West Bank and Gaza

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Republic of North Macedonia

Republic of the Congo

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

The Bahamas

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Vatican City (Holy See)

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

The Federal Register

The daily journal of the united states government, request access.

Due to aggressive automated scraping of FederalRegister.gov and eCFR.gov, programmatic access to these sites is limited to access to our extensive developer APIs.

If you are human user receiving this message, we can add your IP address to a set of IPs that can access FederalRegister.gov & eCFR.gov; complete the CAPTCHA (bot test) below and click "Request Access". This process will be necessary for each IP address you wish to access the site from, requests are valid for approximately one quarter (three months) after which the process may need to be repeated.

An official website of the United States government.

If you want to request a wider IP range, first request access for your current IP, and then use the "Site Feedback" button found in the lower left-hand side to make the request.

OFAC issues new FAQ to address travel to Iran

On September 30, 2021, the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control published Frequently Asked Question 932 regarding donations and travel to Iran and, in particular, the Imam Reza Holy Shrine in Mashhad, Iran. FAQ 932 was released following a level four travel advisory issued by the US Department of State, urging US persons not to travel to Iran.

According to FAQ 932, travel-related transactions for US persons travelling to or from Iran, including religious pilgrimages to locations such as the Imam Reza Holy Shrine, are usually allowed as part of an exemption under the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR), and usually include donations of food, clothing and medicine to the Imam Reza Holy Shrine. However, OFAC now advises US persons to use caution when planning activities related to the Imam Reza Holy Shrine.

On January 13, 2021 pursuant to Executive Order 13876, OFAC designated Astan Quds Razavi (AQR) and its subsidiary, the Holy Shrine Organization, for being owned or controlled by the Supreme Leader of Iran. According to OFAC, the Holy Shrine Organization, that oversees the Imam Reza Holy Shrine, is blocked pursuant to EO 13876 and OFAC’s 50 Percent Rule because the organization is owned 50 percent or more by the AQR. For this reason, OFAC advises US persons to use caution concerning activities with AQR or the Holy Shrine Organization, and encourages anyone interested in transactions or activities involving the Imam Reza Holy Shrine to contact OFAC’s Sanctions Compliance and Evaluation Division for additional guidance, or OFAC’s Licensing Division to request a specific license.

Department of Treasury Press Release | FAQ 932 | Department of State Travel Advisory

Sanctions - US
Sanctions Compliance Programs
Sanctions Enforcement

243. How can I send personal remittances to or from Iran under the Iranian Transaction and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR)?

The ITSR authorize the transfer of funds that are noncommercial and personal in nature to or from Iran or for or on behalf of an individual ordinarily resident in Iran, other than an individual whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 560.211 , subject to certain restrictions and limitations. See 31 CFR 560.550 . Such transfers must be processed by a United States depository institution or a United States registered broker or dealer in securities and not by any other U.S. person. The personal remittances general license does not permit a U.S. person to deal directly with money service businesses (MSBs) or hawalas, wherever located. However, this general license does not preclude United States depository institutions or United States registered brokers or dealers in securities from engaging or dealing with third-country MSBs or hawalas in the processing of the authorized transfers pursuant to section 560.550 of the ITSR.

The hand-carrying of certain noncommercial, personal remittances is also authorized, provided that the individual who is a U.S. person is hand-carrying the funds on his or her behalf, but not on behalf of another person. See 31 CFR 560.550.

We’re sorry, this site is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few moments. Exception: request blocked

The Federal Register

The daily journal of the united states government, request access.

Due to aggressive automated scraping of FederalRegister.gov and eCFR.gov, programmatic access to these sites is limited to access to our extensive developer APIs.

An official website of the United States government.

If you want to request a wider IP range, first request access for your current IP, and then use the "Site Feedback" button found in the lower left-hand side to make the request.

Research Portal
Award Lifecycle
Find Funding
Develop and Submit Proposal
Set Up Project
Manage Project
Project Closeout
Research Compliance
Fiscal Compliance
Policies and Guidance
Research Education
Systems/Portals
SPARCS Staff Contacts
C and G Staff Contacts
College and Unit Research Contacts

Iran Sanctions

The diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and Iran is affected by numerous geopolitical factors and is subject to change on short notice. In May 2018, the U.S. withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the agreement under which the U.S. had relaxed its sanctions program. While limited commercial activity is permitted with Iran, the majority of the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control's (OFAC) sanction program remains in effect for Iran. If your research involves collaboration with, or travel or shipping to, an Iranian entity or individual(s), contact [email protected] for consultation.

Education Services

Under General License G issued by OFAC, U.S. academic institutions are permitted to provide certain educational services and academic exchanges with Iranian universities and students. Iranian students may apply for non-immigrant visas to attend academic institutions in the U.S. Iranian students may also participate in undergraduate-level online courses provided by U.S. academic institutions in the humanities, social sciences, law or business that are the equivalent to courses ordinarily required for the completion of undergraduate degree programs in the humanities, social sciences, law or business — or in introductory-level science, technology, engineering, or math courses that are ordinarily required for the completion of undergraduate degree programs in the humanities, social sciences, law or business.

U.S. persons who are actively enrolled in a U.S. academic institution are authorized to participate in educational courses and engage in noncommercial academic research at Iranian universities at the undergraduate level. Participation in graduate-level courses and noncommercial academic research in the humanities, social sciences, law or business is also permitted.

This authorization for education services is nuanced with stipulations that are too numerous to list here. If you’re interested in providing or obtaining educational services to or from Iran, contact [email protected] for consultation.

Research Activities

Outside of the undergraduate and limited graduate-level research explained above, research collaborations between NC State and Iranian entities remain restricted under OFAC’s sanctions program. While certain research results may be exempt from export controls under the Fundamental Research exclusion, most of the mechanisms and activities involved in sharing this information and collaboration between a U.S.-based entity and an Iranian entity to conduct research are prohibited. The foundation for this prohibition is that, except for the education services explained above, a U.S. entity — including individuals operating under U.S. jurisdiction — is prohibited from providing services to Iranian entities — including individuals operating under Iranian authority. The nuances of these prohibitions are too many to list here, so if you are seriously considering a research endeavor involving an Iranian entity in any way, contact [email protected] for a consultation.

OFAC has a licensing process whereby specific authorizations for a proposed research effort may be requested. This process is lengthy, in some cases taking more than a year, and there is a general policy of denial for these requests. Contact [email protected] for more information.

Physical shipments of goods from the U.S. to Iran are prohibited by both OFAC and Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). Both agencies have mechanisms to apply for licenses to allow the export of items to Iran; however, each agency has a policy of denial for most cases. If a proposed export is in support of an approved activity in Iran (i.e., educational exchange), there is a better chance of obtaining approval.

Information and informational materials are generally permitted for shipment between the U.S. and Iran, provided that these materials do not contain information that is controlled for export under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and they are not altered or enhanced after shipment. Examples of informational materials include publications, films, posters, phonograph records, photographs, microfilms, microfiche, tapes, compact disks, CD ROMs, artworks and newswire feeds.

Contact [email protected] for instruction on any potential shipments destined to Iran.

Travel to Iran to attend or present at an open conference will require a license from OFAC. Similarly, a presentation via webinar to a live audience that includes individuals inside Iran would also require a license from OFAC. These licenses generally take four to six months to process, but in some instances, they may take a year or more. If you are interested in conducting any of these activities, contact [email protected] as early as possible for consultation and assistance.

U.S. Sanctions Ships Linked to Iran’s Military

On April 4, the United States sanctioned Oceanlink Maritime DMCC, a shipping company, for smuggling on behalf of Iran’s military and defense ministry. The shipments of Iranian goods were worth hundreds of millions of dollars. “We are focused on disrupting Iran’s ability to finance its terrorist proxy and partner groups and support to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine,” said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson. The Treasury Department also listed 13 of the firm’s vessels. The following are statements from the Treasury and State Departments .

Treasury Department

Today, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is taking additional action against Iranian military revenue generation, targeting Oceanlink Maritime DMCC for facilitating the shipment of Iranian commodities on behalf of Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff (AFGS) and Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL). OFAC is also identifying 13 vessels managed by Oceanlink Maritime DMCC as blocked property. The Oceanlink Maritime DMCC-managed vessel HECATE recently loaded Iranian commodities valued at over $100 million dollars via a ship-to-ship (STS) transfer from another sanctioned tanker, the DOVER, on behalf of Iran’s Sepehr Energy Jahan Nama Pars (Sepehr Energy), which OFAC sanctioned in November 2023 for its role selling Iranian commodities for the AFGS and MODAFL.

“We are focused on disrupting Iran’s ability to finance its terrorist proxy and partner groups and support to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine,” said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson. “The United States will continue to use our full range of tools to target the illicit funding streams that enable Iran’s destabilizing activities in the region and around the world.”

OFAC is also updating the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List) to reflect that the name of OFAC-sanctioned vessel YOUNG YONG (IMO: 9194127) has been changed to the SAINT LIGHT , possibly to obfuscate its identity. The SAINT LIGHT, which is also operating under the name STELLAR ORACLE, conducted an STS transfer on March 27, 2024 with a sanctioned vessel operated by the National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC), the HAWK (IMO: 9362061), from which it loaded over $100 million worth of Iranian commodities. The HAWK had loaded the same cargo on March 22, 2024 via an STS transfer from the vessel KOHANA (IMO: 9254082), which OFAC sanctioned on February 27, 2024 for its role in attempting to ship MODAFL-owned commodities.

Today’s action is being taken pursuant to the counterterrorism authority in Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, as amended. OFAC designated Sepehr Energy pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, on November 29, 2023 , for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of MODAFL. OFAC designated MODAFL pursuant to E.O. 13224 on March 26, 2019 for providing material support to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF).

MODAFL’S ILLICIT COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY

Oceanlink Maritime DMCC operates a fleet of over one dozen vessels which are deeply involved in the shipment of Iranian commodities, including on behalf of Iran’s military. On March 25, 2024, the DOVER (IMO: 9218466), a vessel operated by NITC and carrying over $100 million worth of commodities on behalf of Sepehr Energy, conducted an STS transfer with the Comoros-flagged, Oceanlink Maritime-managed HECATE (IMO: 9233753), using obfuscation techniques to conceal the locations of the vessels.

Sepehr Energy has also shipped Iranian commodities using the Comoros-flagged ANTHEA (IMO: 9281683) and BOREAS (IMO: 9248497), both of which are managed by Oceanlink Maritime DMCC. Oceanlink Maritime DMCC also manages the Comoros-flagged CAPE GAS (IMO: 9002491), GLAUCUS (IMO: 9337389), OCEANUS GAS (IMO: 9397080), and HEBE (IMO: 9259185), the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged CALYPSO GAS (IMO: 9131101) and MERAKI (IMO: 9194139), the Belize-flagged ELSA (IMO: 9256468) and BAXTER (IMO: 9282522), the Panama-flagged DEMETER (IMO: 9258674) and the Cook Islands-flagged OUREA (IMO: 9350422). The CAPE GAS, GLAUCUS, OCEANUS GAS, HEBE, CALYPSO GAS, MERAKI, ELSA, BAXTER, DEMETER, and OUREA have all shipped Iranian commodities, some as recently as March of this year.

Oceanlink Maritime DMCC, which is based in the UAE, is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, Sepehr Energy. The HECATE, ANTHEA, BOREAS, CAPE GAS, GLAUCUS, OCEANUS GAS, HEBE, CALYPSO GAS, MERAKI, ELSA, BAXTER, DEMETER, and OUREA are being identified as property in which Oceanlink Maritime DMCC has an interest.

SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS

As a result of today’s action, all property and interests in property of the designated persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC’s regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons.

In addition, financial institutions and other persons that engage in certain transactions or activities with the sanctioned entities and individuals may expose themselves to sanctions or be subject to an enforcement action. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.

The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC’s ability to designate and add persons to the SDN List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, please refer to OFAC’s Frequently Asked Question 897 here . For detailed information on the process to submit a request for removal from an OFAC sanctions list, please click here .

Click here for more information on the individuals and entities designated today .

State Department

The United States is today designating one entity and identifying 13 associated vessels as blocked property, as well as updating one vessel name on the SDN List, for facilitating illicit trade in support of Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff (AFGS) and Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL).

The United States will continue to take action against entities that transport cargoes or facilitate transactions in support of MODAFL and the AFGS, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, or Iran’s foreign proxy and partner groups. We remain committed to disrupting illicit funding streams financing Iran’s production of weapons that support Russia’s war against Ukraine and the attacks by Iranian proxy groups throughout the Middle East.

Iran Sanctions

Activities that may require a license.

If you are planning to engage in any of the following activities, please contact the Export Compliance Office ( [email protected] , or 215-573-8817):

Attend or participate in a conference or workshop organized in Iran
technical assistance
data analysis
mentoring/advising services
Travel to Iran to engage in activities that are not listed under General License G (see below)
Work remotely on Penn-related projects while in Iran
Note that if personal belongings include any controlled item, a license will still be necessary
Penn-owned equipment and material may require a specific license
Import from Iran or export to Iran
Enter into any type of agreement with an Iranian institution
Engage in research collaborations with Iranian nationals located in Iran or with Iranian institutions

If you are contemplating any of these activities, a license may be required. Depending on the activity, license applications for Iran can sometimes take several months or more to process, so please contact the Export Compliance Office well in advance of the contemplated activity.

General Authorizations Relevant to Penn-related Activities with/in Iran

The following information outlines certain activities and travel that do not require a specific license from OFAC:

General License G

Iran General License G authorizes accredited U.S. academic institutions (such as Penn) to establish and operate undergraduate and graduate academic exchange agreements with Iranian universities, including providing scholarships to participating Iranian students.

Educational activities that fall under General License G:

Student participation in educational courses or noncommercial academic research at Iranian universities at the undergraduate level;
Note that this does not apply to online graduate-level courses or remote work–the activities must take place at a university in Iran;
Participation by individuals in Iran or ordinarily resident in Iran in online undergraduate courses (including MOOCs) in the humanities, social sciences, law, or business, or introductory level science and engineering courses ordinarily required for the completion of undergraduate degree programs;
Providing services to Iran in support of combating illiteracy, increasing access to education, and assisting in educational reform projects;
Administering professional certificate examinations and university entrance exams and providing services necessary or required for admission to U.S. academic institutions to individuals in Iran or residents of Iran;
Note that this does not include research activities leading up to a publication

All other academic exchanges in Iran, including attending or presenting at academic conferences and workshops or providing mentoring/advising services to Iranian graduate students, postdocs, or faculty located in Iran, require a specific license from OFAC.

General License D-2

General License D-2 generally authorizes the export to Iran, and re-importation into the U.S., of certain hardware incident to personal communications including laptop computers and peripherals for such devices (including but not limited to consumer disk drives and other data storage devices) designated as EAR99 or classified on the Commerce Control List under Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCNs) 5A992.c (includes most smartphones and tablets), 5A991.b.2, 5A991.b.4, or 4A994.b. (Special rules may apply if you have certain encryption technologies installed on your device.) Please contact the Export Compliance Office if you are unsure whether your devices meet these criteria. (As a reminder, when you travel to Iran with a tangible item, you are “exporting” the item to Iran, even if you intend to bring it back with you to the U.S.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Watch CBS News

U.S. issues travel warning for Israel with Iran attack believed to be imminent and fear Gaza war could spread

By Debora Patta , Tucker Reals

Updated on: April 13, 2024 / 5:25 PM EDT / CBS News

Update: Iran launched drone attacks against Israel on Saturday. Read CBS News' latest coverage here .

Tel Aviv — Israel is bracing for a worst-case scenario that U.S. officials believe could materialize within just hours — the possibility of a direct attack on Israeli soil by Iran in retaliation for a strike almost two weeks ago that killed seven Iranian military officers. Iran has vowed to take revenge for Israel killing its commanders, who were hit by an April 1 strike on the Iranian embassy in Syria's capital.

Two U.S. officials told CBS News that a major Iranian attack against Israel was expected as soon as Friday, possibly to include more than 100 drones and dozens of missiles aimed at military targets inside the country. Sources have told CBS News the retaliation could include attacks carried out both by Iranian forces, and proxy groups around the region that it has been funneling additional arms to for weeks.

The officials said it would be challenging for the Israelis to defend against an attack of that magnitude, and while they held out the possibility that the Iranians could opt for a smaller-scale attack to avoid a dramatic escalation, their retaliation was believed to be imminent.

Asked Friday how imminent he believes an attack is, President Biden responded, "I don't want to get into secure information, but my expectation is sooner than later." The president urged Iran not to move forward, saying his message to Tehran was: "Don't."

Tehran has not indicated publicly how or when it will return fire, so it's unclear how far Iran's leaders will go. If they decide to carry out a direct attack on Israel, there's fear it could blow Israel's ongoing war against Iranian ally Hamas up into a much wider regional conflict.

With the Iranian retaliation expected at any time, the U.S. State Department on Thursday warned Americans in Israel not to travel outside major cities, which are better protected from incoming rocket fire by the country's Iron Dome missile defense system. The latest guidance noted that travel by U.S. government employees in Israel could be further restricted with little notice as things develop in the tinderbox region.

"Whoever harms us, we will harm them," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Thursday as he visited troops at an Israel Defense Forces airbase. "We are prepared … both defensively and offensively."

Iran-Burning Flags Of The U.S. And Israel

On Saturday, all U.S. embassies in the Middle East were put on high alert and required to hold emergency action committee meetings. Diplomats in Lebanon and Israel were specifically told not to travel to certain areas within those countries.

Sima Shine, a security expert and former official with Israel's national intelligence agency Mossad, told CBS News it was a dangerous moment for the region, and the "most worried" she has been. She said anxiety over an all-out war was likely just as high "on both sides, in Israel and in Iran."

If Iran does choose to strike Israel directly, it could involve a complex missile and drone attack similar to the one Iranian forces launched against a Saudi oil facility in 2019 .

"They will try to do it on the military or some military asset," Shine predicted. "But the question will be the damage. If there would be many injured people, killed or injured … I think it has the potential for a huge escalation."

Iran- International Jerusalem Day Rally In Tehran

Shine stressed, however, that she still believes neither side actually wants a regional conflict.

U.S. "really trying to avoid war"

The U.S. sent a senior general to Israel this week to coordinate with the close American ally on any response it might make to an Iranian attack. Speaking Friday on "CBS Mornings," America's top military officer said, "we're really trying to avoid war."

"This is part of the dialogue that I have with my counterparts within the region, to include the Israeli chief of defense, who I talked to yesterday," said Joint Chiefs chairman Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr., adding that the U.S. military was "doing things not only to prevent a war, but at the same time, one of my primary things is to make sure all the forces in the region are protected."

"My role, as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, is to plan and prepare," Brown said. "That's one thing we do very well."

Brown's Israeli counterpart, Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, "completed a comprehensive situational assessment on the readiness of the IDF for all scenarios," Israel's military said Friday.

"The IDF is very strongly prepared, both offensively and defensively, against any threat," Halevi was quoted as saying in the statement. "The IDF continues to monitor closely what is happening in Iran and different arenas, constantly preparing to deal with existing and potential threats in coordination with the United States Armed Forces."

The IDF said the visiting U.S. general, Central Command chief Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, was taking part in the IDF's situational assessment.

The dilemma for Iran, said Israeli expert Shine, is to figure out how to deliver its promised response to Israel's attack in Syria, but in a way that does not lead to further escalation. Likewise, Shine said Israel could choose to show restraint when it responds to whatever Iran eventually does.

If either side gets the balance wrong, the consequences for the region, and even the world, could be dire.

Weijia Jiang, David Martin, Margaret Brennan and Olivia Gazis contributed reporting.

Middle East
Benjamin Netanyahu

Debora Patta is a CBS News foreign correspondent based in Johannesburg. Since joining CBS News in 2013, she has reported on major stories across Africa, the Middle East and Europe. Edward R. Murrow and Scripps Howard awards are among the many accolades Patta has received for her work.

More from CBS News

China-Taiwan tension brings missiles and anxiety to a Japanese paradise

Time runs out for Americans hoping to flee chaos in Haiti

6 dead after stabbing attack in Australia; suspect killed

Container ship seized by Iran's Revolutionary Guard near Strait of Hormuz

U.S. restricts employees’ travel as Iran vows revenge on Israel

The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem issued a security warning to government employees and their families, imposing travel restrictions on their movements, as Israel braces for Iran to retaliate for a strike that killed top Iranian military officials in Syria.

The alert, which does not explicitly mention Iran, was issued as leaders in Tehran vowed to respond to an Israeli strike this month near Iran’s embassy in the Syrian capital, Damascus, which has stoked fears of widening conflict in a region on edge.

“Out of an abundance of caution, U.S. government employees and their family members are restricted from personal travel outside the greater Tel Aviv, … Jerusalem, and Be’er Sheva areas until further notice,” reads the U.S. Embassy security alert , issued Thursday.

The attack killed two senior members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and five other officers, Iran said.

While Israel has not publicly claimed responsibility, U.S. officials told The Washington Post that Pentagon officials were frustrated that Israel did not notify the United States before the April 1 strike, which they assess increases risks to U.S. forces in the Middle East.

Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said Israel would be “punished” and “regret this crime.” With Israel’s military on high alert last week, Israel has vowed to strike back at Iran “if Iran attacks from its territory.”

The head of U.S. Central Command, Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla, visited Israel on Thursday, a Pentagon spokesperson said , as the allies coordinate on preparing for Iran’s promised counterstrike. President Biden has repeated that the U.S. commitment to Israel against threats from Iran and its allies is “ironclad.”

“The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem reminds U.S. citizens of the continued need for caution and increased personal security awareness as security incidents often take place without warning,” the alert said. “The security environment remains complex and can change quickly depending on the political situation and recent events.”

The April 1 strike near a diplomatic compound — traditionally exempted from hostilities — was seen as an escalation in Israel’s multi-front battles against Iranian-backed groups in the region, which have intensified during its war in Gaza .

The United States has previously issued travel warnings during the war, and a rare “worldwide caution” advisory to all Americans overseas in October, citing “the potential for violence and increased tensions” globally.

Confrontations in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen simmered between Iranian-backed groups and Israel or the United States. Analysts have said Tehran may still hope to avoid being pulled into a costly war, while maintaining support for allies that have traded fire with Israeli forces or attacked Israel’s main backer, the United States, in the region, The Post reported.

U.S. and other officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive intelligence matters, said earlier this month they expected Iran could respond with attacks on Israeli targets, calculated to avert an even bigger Israeli response, The Post reported. Yet they acknowledged the potential for miscalculation in such a volatile environment.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Thursday that the Biden administration has “communicated to Iran that the U.S. had no involvement in the strike” in Syria. She said the administration warned Tehran not “to escalate further in the region or attack U.S. facilities or personnel.”

Kareem Fahim and Susannah George contributed to this report.

Israel-Gaza war

The Israel-Gaza war has gone on for six months, and tensions have spilled into the surrounding region .

The war: On Oct. 7, Hamas militants launched an unprecedented cross-border attack on Israel that included the taking of civilian hostages at a music festival . (See photos and videos of how the deadly assault unfolded ). Israel declared war on Hamas in response, launching a ground invasion that fueled the biggest displacement in the region since Israel’s creation in 1948 .

Gaza crisis: In the Gaza Strip, Israel has waged one of this century’s most destructive wars , killing tens of thousands and plunging at least half of the population into “ famine-like conditions. ” For months, Israel has resisted pressure from Western allies to allow more humanitarian aid into the enclave .

U.S. involvement: Despite tensions between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and some U.S. politicians , including President Biden, the United States supports Israel with weapons , funds aid packages , and has vetoed or abstained from the United Nations’ cease-fire resolutions.

History: The roots of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and mistrust are deep and complex, predating the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 . Read more on the history of the Gaza Strip .

Live updates: U.S. shoots down some Iranian drones headed toward Israel, officials say Just now Live updates: U.S. shoots down some Iranian drones headed toward Israel, officials say Just now
Crutches and chocolate croissants: Gaza aid items Israel has rejected April 11, 2024 Crutches and chocolate croissants: Gaza aid items Israel has rejected April 11, 2024
Six months of the Israel-Gaza war: A timeline of key moments April 7, 2024 Six months of the Israel-Gaza war: A timeline of key moments April 7, 2024

Supported by

U.S. Targets Unlikely to Be on List in Possible Iranian Attack, Officials Say

In anticipation of the Iranian strikes, several countries, including the United States, issued new guidelines to their citizens about travel in Israel and the surrounding region.

Share full article

A giant poster with images of seven men looms above a dense crowd carrying flags on the street during the day.

By Eric Schmitt , Farnaz Fassihi , Aaron Boxerman and Thomas Fuller

American intelligence analysts and officials said on Friday that they expected Iran to strike multiple targets inside Israel within the next few days in retaliation for an Israeli bombing in the Syrian capital on April 1 that killed several senior Iranian commanders.

The United States, Israel’s pre-eminent ally, has military forces in several places across the Middle East. But Iran is not expected to target them in order to avoid a direct conflict with the United States, according to U.S. and Iranian officials who spoke anonymously about the expected attacks, which they were not authorized to discuss publicly.

Any Iranian strike inside Israel would be a watershed moment in the decades of hostilities between the two nations that would most likely open a volatile new chapter in the region. Israel and Iran do not maintain any direct channels of communication, making the chances far greater that each side could misread the other’s intentions. And an Iranian attack would heighten the risk of a wider conflict that could drag in multiple countries, including the United States.

In remarks to reporters on Friday, President Biden said that he expected a military attack against Israel “sooner than later,” and that his message to Iran was “don’t.”

“We are devoted to the defense of Israel,” he added. “We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed.”

In anticipation of an Iranian strike, several countries, including the United States, have issued new guidelines to their citizens for travel in Israel and the surrounding region. The Israeli military said its forces were on high alert.

The U.S. State Department barred its employees on Thursday from traveling to large parts of Israel, the first time the U.S. government has restricted its employees’ movement this way since the war in Gaza began more than six months ago.

On Thursday, Britain told its citizens that they “should consider leaving” Israel and the Palestinian territories “if it is safe to do so.” On Friday, India told its citizens “not to travel to Iran or Israel till further notice.” And France advised people not to travel to Israel, Iran or Lebanon, and evacuated the families of French diplomats from Iran.

Details about Iran’s potential attack on Israel are closely guarded, but American and Israeli officials have assessed that it might involve drones and missiles. Iran has the largest arsenal of ballistic missiles and drones in the Middle East, including cruise missiles and anti-ship missiles, experts say, as well as short-range and long-range ballistic missiles with ranges up to 2,000 kilometers (about 1,250 miles).

Iran also has a large inventory of drones that have a range of about 1,200 to 1,550 miles and are capable of flying low to evade radar.

The exact form an attack on Israel might take, what kinds of targets would be involved and the precise timing all remain unclear.

The top American military commander for the Middle East, Gen. Michael E. Kurilla, traveled to Israel this week to coordinate a response should Iran attack, U.S. officials said.

“Our enemies think that they will divide Israel and the United States,” the Israeli defense minister, Yoav Gallant, said in a statement on Friday, after meeting with General Kurilla. “They are connecting us and are strengthening the relationship between us.”

If Iran attacks, he added, “we will know how to respond.”

On Thursday, the Israeli military’s chief spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said the armed forces were “highly alert and prepared” for any action from Iran.

Iran has publicly and repeatedly vowed revenge for the April 1 airstrike on its embassy complex in the Syrian capital, Damascus, which killed three generals and four officers from its elite Quds Force, an arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.

But analysts say Iranian leaders want to calibrate their response so that it is big enough to send a message at home and abroad that Iran is not impotent in the face of conflict, but not so big that it spirals into a full-fledged war with Israel or draws an American attack.

In the first months of the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Iran-backed militias regularly attacked U.S. troops in Iraq, Syria and Jordan. But after a drone strike killed three Americans in Jordan in January and the United States launched retaliatory strikes , Iran stopped the attacks by its proxies, fearing a more powerful U.S. response.

Despite the clashes and hostile rhetoric, both Iranian and U.S. leaders have made it clear they want to avoid an all-out war.

John F. Kirby, the White House’s national security spokesman, told reporters on Friday, “We are certainly mindful of a very public and what we consider to be a very credible threat made by Iran in terms of potential attacks on Israel, and that we are in constant communication with our Israeli counterparts about making sure that they can defend themselves against those kinds of attacks.”

How Israel would respond to an Iranian attack on its soil is unclear. The Israeli military “continues to monitor closely what is happening in Iran and different arenas,” Herzi Halevi, chief of the Israeli general staff, said in a statement on Friday. He added, “Our forces are prepared and ready at all times and for any scenario.”

Iran believes it can generate international support for a retaliatory strike by focusing attention on the attack against its embassy complex and arguing that it was merely defending itself, the Iranian officials said.

International law generally treats embassies and consulates as exempt from attacks. But Israeli officials have argued that the building they destroyed was diplomatic in name only, and was being used as a Revolutionary Guards base, as evidenced by the high-level commanders who were meeting there when they were killed.

A strategist for the Revolutionary Guards said Iran wanted to take advantage of the widening rift between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel and Mr. Biden over Israel’s conduct of the war against Hamas — and not unite them in hostility to Iran.

The Biden administration has not only criticized the level of death and destruction wrought by Israeli forces in Gaza, it has also voiced fears that increased clashes across Israel’s northern borders, primarily with Iranian proxies like Hezbollah, could escalate into a broader regional war.

In an apparent response to international pressure , including from the United States, to do more to alleviate the hunger and deprivation produced by the war in Gaza, the Israeli military said on Friday that it had begun allowing humanitarian aid trucks to enter northern Gaza through a new crossing.

The military did not specify the location of the new crossing, and it remained unclear how many trucks had crossed, what aid agency they belonged to and when the crossing might be open for wider use.

Jamie McGoldrick, a top U.N. relief official in Jerusalem, said that U.N. officials planned to head to the crossing on Saturday to examine it. He said the crossing would be a significant improvement “if it can go to scale and is not temporary.”

After Israeli strikes killed seven aid workers on April 1, Mr. Biden told Mr. Netanyahu by phone that the United States could withhold military support for Israel unless it did more to protect civilians and ensure adequate supplies for Palestinian civilians.

Mr. Gallant, Israel’s defense minister, pledged on Wednesday to “flood Gaza with aid” and said he expected to ultimately see 500 relief trucks entering the enclave on a daily basis. U.N. figures show that an average of about 110 aid trucks have entered Gaza daily since the war began on Oct. 7.

Mr. Gallant also said that Israel would soon open the port of Ashdod, an Israeli city north of Gaza, to accept aid shipments, without providing a time frame.

Liam Stack contributed reporting.

Eric Schmitt is a national security correspondent for The Times, focusing on U.S. military affairs and counterterrorism issues overseas, topics he has reported on for more than three decades. More about Eric Schmitt

Farnaz Fassihi is the United Nations bureau chief for The Times, leading coverage of the organization, and also covers Iran and the shadow war between Iran and Israel. She is based in New York. More about Farnaz Fassihi

Aaron Boxerman is a Times reporting fellow with a focus on international news. More about Aaron Boxerman

Thomas Fuller , a Page One Correspondent for The Times, writes and rewrites stories for the front page. More about Thomas Fuller

Our Coverage of the Israel-Hamas War

News and Analysis

Dozens of Israelis and Palestinians were wounded after an Israeli teenager's disappearance led to riots in the West Bank. Israeli forces later found the boy’s corpse, and the military said, without providing evidence, that he had been “murdered in a terrorist attack.”

A coalition of a dozen liberal organizations and labor unions sent a letter to the White House demanding that Biden end military aid to Israel until it lifts restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza , the latest indicator of shifting mainstream Democratic opinion on the war.

The Israeli military announced what it called a precise operation to kill members of Hamas in Gaza , a day after a strike there killed three sons of one of the most senior leaders of the group.

Mobilizing the American Left: As the death toll in Gaza climbed, the pro-Palestinian movement grew into a powerful, if disjointed, political force in the United States . Democrats are feeling the pressure.

Riding Rage Over Israel: Jackson Hinkle’s incendiary commentary has generated over two million new followers on X since October — a surge that some researchers say is aided by inauthentic accounts by the online celebrity.

Psychedelics and Trauma: Thousands of festival-goers were using mind-altering substances when Hamas-led fighters attacked on Oct 7. Now, scientists are studying the effects of such drugs at a moment of trauma .

Turmoil at J Street: The war in Gaza has raised serious concerns within the Jewish political advocacy group about its ability to hold a middle position without being pulled apart by forces on the right and the left.

International edition
Australia edition
Europe edition

Israel's war cabinet, chaired by prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meets in Tel Aviv to discuss the drone attack launched by Iran.

Iran missile and drone attack on Israel – what we know so far

Israel’s military has reported minor damage after Iran launched dozens of drones and missiles towards it late on Saturday

Iran attack on Israel – live updates
Full report: Iran launches drones and cruise missiles against Israel

Iran has launched dozens of drones as well as cruise missiles towards Israel , the Islamic Republic’s first ever direct attack on the Jewish state in response to the 1 April strike on an Iranian diplomatic building in the Syrian capital of Damascus which killed a senior figure in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards, and eight other officers.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corp has said that it launched ballistic missiles at “specific targets” in Israel as part of what it called “Operation True Promise”.

The first wave reached Israel at around 2am local time (midnight BST), with sirens blaring across the country and explosions visible and audible in the sky in several places. Commercial capital Tel Aviv, the disputed city of Jerusalem, and Dimona, the desert city home to Israel’s nuclear plant, all appeared to have been targeted.

Iranian strikes caused “minor damage” to an Israeli base, army spokesperson Daniel Hagari said Sunday, after Iran’s state media reported “heavy blows” to the base from its missiles. “Only a few missiles fell in the territory of the state of Israel with slight damage to a military base in the south, with only slight damage to the infrastructure,” Hagari said in a statement.

Most of the missiles launched by Iran were intercepted outside Israel’s borders, while a limited number fell inside the country’s territory, IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee has said. He said that the total number of aerial units launched from Iran was about 200 and there were reports that one child had been injured.

US president Joe Biden cut short a weekend stay at his Delaware beach house and returned to the White House to meet his national security team and monitor the situation shortly before the attack was announced.

The US and UK reportedly helped Israel shoot down Iranian drones over Jordan , Iraq and Syria in an effort to blunt the attack and prevent an uncontrollable escalation. “US forces in the region continue to shoot down Iranian-launched drones targeting Israel ,” a senior US defence official told reporters.

Royal Air Force fighter jets and refuelling aircraft were also involved, taking off from bases in Cyprus. Their role, according to the UK Ministry of Defence, was to fill in for the US air force in the sorties against the Islamic State normally carried out over Iraq and north-eastern Syria, but also to intercept Iranian drones if they came into the UK area of operations.

Reuters quoted two regional security sources as saying Jordanian jets had downed dozens of Iranian drones flying across northern and central Jordan heading towards Israel.

World leaders have condemned Iran’s attack with regional powers including Saudi Arabia and Egypt called for restraint. UN secretary general António Guterres said: “I am deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation. I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East.”

Middle East and north Africa
US military

Indian foreign ministry advises against travel to Iran, Israel

Medium Text

The Reuters Daily Briefing newsletter provides all the news you need to start your day. Sign up here.

Reporting by Shivam Patel; Editing by YP Rajesh

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. New Tab , opens new tab

Indian PM Modi attends an election campaign rally, in Meerut

World Chevron

People offer flowers for the victims of Saturday's stabbings at Bondi Junction in Sydney

Sydney stabbing that killed 6 was not an ideological attack, police say

Sydney police on Sunday ruled out terror or ideology as a motive after a man killed six people in a random stabbing attack on Saturday in one of the city's busiest shopping centres.

IMAGES

OFAC Has Increased Its Focus on Iran; Here’s What You Need to Know
Dream vacations: 12 most unique travel destinations in Iran
60 Things You Need To Know When Traveling To Iran
Travel to Iran: 30 Tips for Traveling to Iran
22 Most beautiful places to visit in Iran, including a 13-day Itinerary
25 Things to Know Before You Visit Iran (2023 Guide)

VIDEO

Fun Animal Puppy Care
Volcano Unleashed: The How and Why #earth #soil #volcano #discover #travel #nature #wildlife #fyp
Sabaton
welcome to Iran
Benny More Art School: Cienfuegos Cuba
Legal Ways to Transfer Assets from Iran to US and How to Obtain OFAC License by Mehrnoush Yazdanyar

COMMENTS

Iran Sanctions
OFAC offers guidance on a variety of subjects related to the Iran Sanctions. Most of this guidance is specific in nature. General guidance on the Iran Sanctions can be found in the Sanctions Brochures section at the top of this page. Guidance on the Sale of Food, Agricultural Commodities, Medicine, and Medical Devices by Non-U.S. Persons to Iran.
Iran International Travel Information
The U.S. Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has posted to its website frequently asked questions (FAQs) that provide guidance on U.S. sanctions related to Iran. For further information, consult OFAC's Iran sanctions resource page or contact OFAC's Compliance Programs Division at 202-622-2490 or obtain ...
31 CFR Part 560 -- Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations
The prohibitions in § 560.201 make it unlawful to hire an Iranian national ordinarily resident in Iran to come to the United States solely or for the principal purpose of engaging in employment on behalf of an entity in Iran or as the employee of a U.S. person, unless authorized pursuant to § 560.505.
U.S. Government Fully Re-Imposes Sanctions on the Iranian Regime As
WASHINGTON - Today, in its largest ever single-day action targeting the Iranian regime, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned more than 700 individuals, entities, aircraft, and vessels. This action is a critical part of the re-imposition of the remaining U.S. nuclear-related sanctions that were lifted or waived in connection with the Joint ...
OFAC issues new FAQ to address travel to Iran
On September 30, 2021, the US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control published Frequently Asked Question 932 regarding donations and travel to Iran and, in particular, the Imam Reza Holy Shrine in Mashhad, Iran. FAQ 932 was released following a level four travel advisory issued by the US Department of State, urging US ...
243
Answer. The ITSR authorize the transfer of funds that are noncommercial and personal in nature to or from Iran or for or on behalf of an individual ordinarily resident in Iran, other than an individual whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 560.211, subject to certain restrictions and limitations. See 31 CFR 560.550.
Sanctions List Search
The Sanctions List Search tool uses approximate string matching to identify possible matches between word or character strings as entered into Sanctions List Search, and any name or name component as it appears on the SDN List and/or the various other sanctions lists. Sanctions List Search has a slider-bar that may be used to set a threshold (i ...
Designating Iran Sanctions Evaders
Travel Advisory Level 4: Do Not Travel Travel Advisory Level 4: Updated to add the Terrorism Risk Indicator and risk of surrogacy tourism. ... (OFAC) is issuing Iran General License O, authorizing the wind down and limited safety and environmental transactions involving certain vessels in which one or more of the blocked entities identified ...
PDF Iran Sanctions Overview
Import from Iran or Export to Iran (apart from personal items you bring for personal use during travel) anything outside of informational materials or humanitarian donations without an OFAC license. See § 560.315. Transfer funds to Iranian financial institution or to an individual or entity on one of the government restricted party lists.
Publication of Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations Web
The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is publishing a general license (GL) issued pursuant to the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations and an Iran-related Executive order: GL P, which was previously made available on OFAC's website. DATES: GL P was issued on June 2, 2023.
Iran Sanctions
While limited commercial activity is permitted with Iran, the majority of the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control's (OFAC) sanction program remains in effect for Iran. If your research involves collaboration with, or travel or shipping to, an Iranian entity or individual (s), contact [email protected] for consultation.
Designating Iran Sanctions Evaders
The United States is committed to significantly reducing Iranian energy exports and will sanction those facilitating Iran's petroleum and petrochemical trade. Today, the Department of the State is designating six entities that have engaged in the transport or sale of Iranian petroleum products or petrochemical products, pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13846, and is identifying […]
U.S. Sanctions Ships Linked to Iran's Military
On April 4, the United States sanctioned Oceanlink Maritime DMCC, a shipping company, for smuggling on behalf of Iran's military and defense ministry. The shipments of Iranian goods were worth hundreds of millions of dollars. "We are focused on disrupting Iran's ability to finance its terrorist proxy and partner groups and support to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine," said ...
U.S. Issues New Travel Restrictions Over Possible Iranian Strike
The U.S. issues new travel guidelines, warning that Iran will avenge the killings of senior commanders. The State Department has barred its employees from traveling to large parts of Israel.
Iran
Travel to Iran to engage in activities that are not listed under General License G (see below) ... or faculty located in Iran, require a specific license from OFAC. General License D-2. General License D-2 generally authorizes the export to Iran, and re-importation into the U.S., of certain hardware incident to personal communications including ...
Export Live Animals to Iran
Pet Travel. Take a Pet From the United States to Another Country (Export) Bring a Pet From Another Country into the United States (Import) ... Additional guidance on U.S. agricultural exports to Iran can be found on the OFAC website. For questions regarding U.S. sanctions, please contact the OFAC Licensing Division at +1-202-622-2480.
U.S. issues travel warning for Israel with Iran attack believed to be
U.S. issues travel warning for Israel as Iran expected to attack any time Hamas says 3 of leader Ismail Haniyeh's sons killed in Israeli strike Biden calls Netanyahu's handling of the war in Gaza ...
U.S. issues Israel travel warning for employees amid Iran attack fears
As Iran vows retaliation for a strike near its embassy in Damascus, Syria, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem issued a travel warning for government employees.
U.S. Targets May Not Be on List in Possible Iran Attack, Officials Say
In anticipation of the Iranian strikes, several countries, including the United States, issued new guidelines to their citizens about travel in Israel and the surrounding region.
Iranian attack on Israel expected 'sooner rather than later', says Joe
President said US are 'devoted to the defence of Israel' as he urged Tehran to show restraint Joe Biden has said he expects an Iranian attack on Israel "sooner rather than later" and ...
U.S. Treasury sanctions four Hamas cyber, UAV leaders
April 12 (UPI) -- The United States is restricting travel for government employees and their families in Israel as Iran threatens to retaliate for a April 1 airstrike on its embassy in Damascus. U ...
Iran missile and drone attack on Israel
Iran has launched dozens of drones as well as cruise missiles towards Israel, the Islamic Republic's first ever direct attack on the Jewish state in response to the 1 April strike on an Iranian ...
Indian foreign ministry advises against travel to Iran, Israel
NEW DELHI, April 12 (Reuters) - India advised its citizens on Friday against travelling to Iran and Israel until further notice in view of the "prevailing situation in the region". The advisory ...

Iran Sanctions

Important Advisories and Information

Interpretive Guidance

Frequently Asked Questions

List of Foreign Sanctions Evaders (FSE)

List of CISADA and NDAA Prohibitions or Conditions

Applying for a Specific OFAC License

General Licenses

Guidance on OFAC Licensing Policy

Graphics of Iran-related Economic Activity

LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR IRAN SANCTIONS

Executive Orders

Code of Federal Regulations

Federal Register Notices

United Nations Security Council Resolutions

Situation in Haiti April 13, 2024

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Learn About Your Destination

Travel Advisory January 11, 2024

Embassy Messages

Quick Facts

Embassies and Consulates

Destination Description

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Safety and Security

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Travel and Transportation

For additional travel information

Travel Advisory Levels

External Link

The Federal Register

OFAC issues new FAQ to address travel to Iran

Related by Topic

243. How can I send personal remittances to or from Iran under the Iranian Transaction and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR)?

The Federal Register

Iran Sanctions

Education Services

Research Activities

U.S. Sanctions Ships Linked to Iran’s Military

Treasury Department

State Department

Iran Sanctions

General Authorizations Relevant to Penn-related Activities with/in Iran

General License G

General License D-2

Frequently Asked Questions

U.S. issues travel warning for Israel with Iran attack believed to be imminent and fear Gaza war could spread

U.S. "really trying to avoid war"

More from CBS News

China-Taiwan tension brings missiles and anxiety to a Japanese paradise

Time runs out for Americans hoping to flee chaos in Haiti

6 dead after stabbing attack in Australia; suspect killed

Container ship seized by Iran's Revolutionary Guard near Strait of Hormuz

U.S. restricts employees’ travel as Iran vows revenge on Israel

Israel-Gaza war

U.S. Targets Unlikely to Be on List in Possible Iranian Attack, Officials Say

Our Coverage of the Israel-Hamas War

Iran missile and drone attack on Israel – what we know so far

Most viewed

Indian foreign ministry advises against travel to Iran, Israel

World Chevron

Sydney stabbing that killed 6 was not an ideological attack, police say

IMAGES

VIDEO

COMMENTS