Mr. Sanctions

Category: Press Releases

  • May 19, 2026: Better Late than Never, State Department edition

    Two press releases related to the earlier set of designations – one:

    U.S. Sanctions Hamas Support Networks

    PRESS STATEMENT

    THOMAS “TOMMY” PIGOTT, SPOKESPERSON

    MAY 19, 2026

    Today, the United States is taking decisive action to target the international networks that enable Hamas to sustain its terrorist operations, expand political influence, and undermine efforts to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East.  Today’s designations target three categories of Hamas enablers: organizers of a Hamas-backed flotilla attempting to reach Gaza; operatives within Hamas-aligned Muslim Brotherhood networks that facilitate violent terrorist attacks; and coordinators of Samidoun, a front organization for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP).

    Hamas uses these enablers to sustain its position in Gaza, finance its operations, and engage in terrorist violence beyond its borders. Today’s action exposes how Hamas exploits diaspora organizations, religious institutions, and purported civil society groups to advance its malign agenda while claiming humanitarian objectives.

    Under President Trump, the United States remains committed to supporting efforts to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East. We will continue to use all available tools to counter those who support terrorism and obstruct the path to a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

    Today’s action is being taken pursuant to the counterterrorism authority, Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, as amended.  Hamas, the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad, Samidoun, and HASM are designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, and Hamas and HASM are also designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.  For more information on today’s action, please see the Department of the Treasury’s press releases.

    and two:

    United States Sanctions Iranian Financial and Shipping Networks

    PRESS STATEMENT

    THOMAS “TOMMY” PIGOTT, SPOKESPERSON

    MAY 19, 2026

    Today, the United States sanctioned several Iranian regime currency exchange houses, associated personnel, and front companies, as well as 19 vessels that collectively enable Iran’s regime to evade international sanctions and fund its destabilizing activities across the Middle East. As part of the Economic Fury campaign, this action targets the shadow financial system and illicit shipping operations that allow Iran to move billions of dollars annually from oil and petrochemical sales, directly supporting the regime’s military operations and its proxies throughout the region.

    These sanctions target Amin Exchange, a major Iranian currency exchange house that operates through a network of front companies in the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and China, including Hong Kong, to launder money for sanctioned Iranian banks and state-owned enterprises.

    By taking steps to dismantle these financial channels, the United States aims to deny the Iranian regime the resources it uses to threaten regional stability, support terrorist organizations, and develop weapons programs.

    This action reinforces the United States’ commitment to maximum economic pressure on Iran until the regime ceases its malign activities. The Trump Administration will continue to hold Iran accountable and counter its dangerous and malign behavior. As part of Economic Fury, we will intensify economic pressure on Iran and the international network that sustains its illicit energy trade.

    Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of State’s Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program is offering a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to the disruption of the financial mechanisms of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its various branches. More information is available on the RFJ website.

    Today’s action is being taken pursuant to E.O. 13902, which targets persons operating in Iran’s financial, petroleum and petrochemical sectors. These designations build on OFAC’s previous actions targeting Iran’s shadow banking mechanisms, including exchange houses, Iranian bank rahbar companies, digital asset exchanges, and facilitators used to evade sanctions. This action is in furtherance of the President’s National Security Presidential Memorandum 2 (NSPM-2), which supports Treasury’s continued campaign of maximum economic pressure against Iran’s shadow banking, money laundering, and sanctions evasion networks. For more information on today’s action, please see the Department of the Treasury’s press release.

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  • May 18, 2026: Better Late than Never – State Department Press Release and Fact Sheet

    These releases, which both arrived after 5 PM Eastern, are in relation to today’s OFAC release.

    Here are the press release:

    Further U.S. Sanctions on Cuban Regime Elites

    PRESS STATEMENT

    MARCO RUBIO, SECRETARY OF STATE

    MAY 18, 2026

    The Trump Administration continues to take decisive action to protect U.S. national security and deprive Cuba’s communist regime and military of access to illicit assets.  Today, pursuant to President Trump’s Executive Order 14404 of May 1, 2026, “Imposing Sanctions on Those Responsible for Repression in Cuba and for Threats to United States National Security and Foreign Policy,” I designated 11 Cuban regime elites and three government organizations, including government officials and military figures associated with Cuba’s security apparatus, many of whom are responsible for or have been involved in repressing the Cuban people.   

    These sanctions advance the Trump Administration’s comprehensive campaign to address the pressing national security threats posed by Cuba’s communist regime and to hold accountable both the regime and those who provide it material support.  Regime-aligned actors such as those designated today bear responsibility for the suffering of the Cuban people, the failing Cuban economy, and the exploitation of Cuba for foreign intelligence, military, and terror operations.  Today’s designations further restrict the Cuban regime’s ability to suppress the will of the Cuban people.  Additional sanctions actions can be expected in the following days and weeks.    

    The Department’s action is being taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14404, which authorizes sweeping sanctions on Cuba, including persons who support the Cuban regime’s security apparatus and those responsible for repression in Cuba and threats to U.S. national security. This action also furthers both Executive Order 14380, “Addressing Threats to the United States by the Government of Cuba”and National Security Presidential Memorandum 5 (NSPM-5), which directs the Executive Branch to improve human rights, encourage the rule of law, foster free markets and free enterprise, and promote democracy in Cuba. See related Fact Sheet. 

    and the fact sheet:

    Sanctions to Counter Threats Posed by the Cuban Regime

    FACT SHEET

    OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON

    MAY 18, 2026

    Today, the Department of State is sanctioning 11 Cuban regime-aligned actors and three entities in furtherance of the Trump Administration’s comprehensive campaign to address the pressing national security threats posed by Cuba’s communist regime and hold accountable the regime and those who provide it material or financial support.     

    For more than 60 years, the Cuban regime has prioritized its Communist ideology and personal wealth over the well-being of its own citizens while allowing for the exploitation of Cuba for foreign intelligence, military, and terror operations.  The United States will continue to take action to counter the Cuban regime, those furthering its goals, and those abroad enabling the elites to profit while the Cuban people suffer.  

    Today, all Department of State targets are being sanctioned pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14404, which authorizes sanctions on persons determined to meet specified criteria related to repression in Cuba and threats to U.S. national security.   

    Taking Action Against the Cuban Regime 

    The Department of State is designating 11 regime-aligned elites associated with Cuba’s security apparatus, as well as three Cuban government bodies.  

    The following entities are being designated pursuant to Section 2 (a)(i)(F) of E.O. 14404 for being a political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality of the Government of Cuba: 

    • The MINISTRY OF INTERIOR OF CUBA (MININT), which is an agency of the Government of Cuba responsible for Cuba’s internal security, to include controlling Cuba’s police, internal security forces, intelligence agencies, and the country’s prison system.  Today’s action expands upon MININT’s prior designation pursuant to E.O. 13818, which builds upon and implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act;  
    • The POLICIA NACIONAL REVOLUCIONARIA (PNR), which is a police force under MININT accused of operating mobile prisons and violent suppression of protests.  Today’s action expands upon the PNR’s prior designation pursuant to E.O. 13818; and  
    • The DIRECTORATE OF INTELLIGENCE OF CUBA (DGI), which is the primary intelligence agency of the Government of Cuba under MININT. 

    The following actors are being designated pursuant to Sec. 2 (a)(i)(E) of E.O. 14404 for being or having been a leader, official, senior executive officer, or member of the board of directors of the Government of Cuba or an entity whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14404: 

    • EDDY MANUEL SIERRA ARIAS (SIERRA), the Chief of the General Directorate of the PNR, which is being concurrently designated pursuant to E.O. 14404.  Today’s designation of SIERRA builds upon his prior designation pursuant to E.O. 13818; 
    • OSCAR ALEJANDRO CALLEJAS VALCARCE (CALLEJAS), the Chief of the Political Directorate of the concurrently designated MININT and the former Director of the also concurrently designated PNR.  Today’s designation of CALLEJAS expands upon his prior designation pursuant to E.O. 13818; 
    • ROSABEL GAMON VERDE, the Minister of Justice of Cuba;   
    • JOAQUIN QUINTAS SOLA, the Deputy Minister of Cuba’s Revolutionary Armed Forces; 
    • JUAN ESTEBAN LAZO HERNANDEZ, the President of Cuba’s National Assembly for People’s Power; 
    • VICENTE DE LA O LEVY, the Minister of Energy and Mines of Cuba; 
    • MAYRA AREVICH MARIN, the Minister of Communications of Cuba;  
    • JOSE MIGUEL GOMEZ DEL VALLIN, the Chief of Staff of Military Counterintelligence; 
    • RAUL VILLAR KESSELL, the Chief of the Central Army of Cuba;  
    • ROBERTO TOMAS MORALES OJEDA, a member of the Political Bureau and Secretary of the Organization of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba; and 
    • EUGENIO ARMANDO RABILERO AGUILERA, the Chief of the Eastern Army of Cuba. 

    Sanctions Implications  

    As a result of today’s sanctions-related actions, and in accordance with Executive Order 14404 of May 1, 2026, “Imposing Sanctions on Those Responsible for Repression in Cuba and for Threats to U.S. National Security and Foreign Policy,” all property and interests in property of the designated persons described above that are in the United States or in possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).  Additionally, all entities that are owned individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. 

    All transactions and dealings by U.S. persons or persons within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons are prohibited unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC or exempt.  These prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any blocked person and the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.  Foreign persons that engage in transactions with persons designated pursuant to E.O. 14404 – or that operate in the energy, defense and related materiel, metals and mining, financial services, or security sector of the Cuban economy, as identified in E.O. 14404 – are themselves at risk of sanctions.  Non-U.S. persons, including foreign financial institutions, should proceed with caution in any dealings with a party sanctioned under this authority.  Actions to return assets to a sanctioned party or transfer them to another jurisdiction for potential use by the target could expose non-U.S. persons to significant sanctions risk.  All property and interests in property of persons that are blocked pursuant to the CACR continue to be blocked.  The CACR prohibits persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction from dealing in property in which Cuba or a Cuban national has an interest, unless authorized or exempt. 

    The power and integrity of U.S. government sanctions derive not only from the U.S. government’s ability to designate and add persons to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (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.    

    Petitions for removal from the SDN List may be sent to:  OFAC.Reconsideration@treasury.gov.  Petitioners may also refer to the Department of State’s Delisting Guidance page.  

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  • April 16, 2026: State Department weighs in on OFAC Nicaragua designations

    Sanctioning the Ortega-Murillo Dictatorship-Linked Gold Sector

    PRESS STATEMENT

    THOMAS “TOMMY” PIGOTT, PRINCIPAL DEPUTY SPOKESPERSON

    APRIL 16, 2026

    The United States is imposing sanctions on two of Ortega and Murillo’s sons, five other individuals, and seven companies that have enabled the dictatorship’s corrupt control over Nicaragua’s gold sector, seizure of property owned by U.S. citizens, and proliferation of its dynastic rule.

    Since 2020, the dictatorship has restructured the gold sector into a complex network of front companies and intermediaries designed to generate foreign currency, launder sanctioned assets, and reinforce political control for their own benefit. The dictatorship also has continually consolidated its illegitimate power into the first family’s hands, anointing their children as dictatorship officials to carry out their dynastic objectives.

    The Trump Administration will continue to use all diplomatic and economic tools to defend U.S. interests and amplify the Nicaraguan people’s demands for freedom, unalienable rights, and economic security. We call on the dictatorship to respect private property, unconditionally release all unjustly detained prisoners, and restore sound governance.

    Today’s action is being taken pursuant to the authorities under Executive Order (E.O.) 13851, as amended by E.O 14088. For more information on today’s action, please see the Department of the Treasury’s press release.

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  • April 15, 2026: Economic Fury from the State Department

    U.S. Upends Iranian Shadow Fleet and Oil-for-Gold Terror Financing Network

    PRESS STATEMENT

    THOMAS “TOMMY” PIGOTT, PRINCIPAL DEPUTY SPOKESPERSON

    APRIL 15, 2026

    The United States is acting to decisively limit Iran’s ability to generate revenue as it attempts to hold the Strait of Hormuz hostage. Today’s sanctions target elements of U.S.-designated Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani’s multi-billion-dollar oil smuggling empire that enriches the Iranian regime and its elites. It also targets a separate oil-for-gold network that finances U.S.-designated Hizballah and the U.S.-designated Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp-Qods Force (IRGC-QF).

    The Iranian regime continues to enrich corrupt elites like the Shamkhani family while ordinary Iranians suffer under a deteriorating economy. The regime likewise funnels the wealth of the Iranian people to Hizballah and other terrorists in the Middle East. These designations underscore our commitment to maximum pressure on Iran and its terrorist proxies.

    The complex schemes involving illicit Iranian oil, gold, and terrorist financing demonstrate the lengths to which Iran and its partners will go to evade sanctions and fund malign activities. We will continue to expose and disrupt these networks.

    Since President Trump issued National Security Presidential Memorandum 2, the United States has sanctioned over 1,000 persons, vessels, and aircraft as part of our campaign against Iranian malign activity. We will not relent in our efforts to deny Iran and its proxies the resources they use to threaten U.S. interests and regional stability.

    Today’s action marks the latest round of sanctions targeting Iranian oil sales and support to Iran’s terrorist proxies since the issuance of National Security Presidential Memorandum 2 (NSPM-2), directing maximum pressure on Iran and its regional proxies. More information on today’s designations can be found in Treasury’s Press Release

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  • February 25, 2026: State Department press release on OFAC actions

    Sanctions to Disrupt Iran’s Weapons Procurement Networks and Shadow Fleet

    PRESS STATEMENT

    THOMAS “TOMMY” PIGOTT, PRINCIPAL DEPUTY SPOKESPERSON

    FEBRUARY 25, 2026

    The United States is designating individuals and entities involved in multiple weapons procurement networks based in Iran, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates supporting the Iranian regime’s ballistic missile and advanced conventional weapons (ACW) development.  We are also sanctioning numerous shadow fleet vessels and their owners or operators that have collectively transported hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of Iranian petroleum, petroleum products, and petrochemical products.           

    The Iranian regime continues to mismanage its economy, with catastrophic consequences for its people, and prioritizes funding of foreign proxies and missiles over the basic needs of ordinary Iranians.  Today’s sanctions target the illicit funds that the regime uses to advance its malign and destabilizing ends.   

    This action implements President Trump’s National Security Presidential Memorandum 2 by countering the Iranian regime’s aggressive development of missiles and other asymmetric and conventional weapons capabilities.  It also denies the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps access to assets and resources that sustain its destabilizing activities.  The nonproliferation designations today support the reimposition of United Nations restrictive measures and sanctions on Iran, which occurred as a direct result of the Iranian regime’s “significant non-performance” of its nuclear commitments. 

    The United States will continue to use all available means to expose, disrupt, and counter the Iranian regime’s ability to procure revenue to develop its weapons programs and fund its destabilizing behavior. 

    The Department of the Treasury’s action was taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their supporters, E.O. 13949, the Iran conventional arms authority, and E.O. 13902, which authorizes sanctions related to key sectors of Iran’s economy. For more information on today’s actions, please see the Department of the Treasury’s Press Release.

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  • February 13, 2026: Two more Venezuela General Licenses… and a Press Release from the State Department

    From the Recent Actions page:

    Issuance of Venezuela-related General Licenses

    The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is issuing Venezuela-related General License 49, “Authorizing Negotiations of and Entry Into Contingent Contracts for Certain Investment in Venezuela;” and Venezuela-related General License 50, “Authorizing Transactions Related to Oil or Gas Sector Operations in Venezuela of Certain Entities.”

    GL 49:

    venezuela_gl49Download

    GL 50:

    venezuela_gl50Download

    And, in a related note, the State Department recapped all the recent relaxations in the sanctions program:

    Actions to Implement President Trump’s Vision for Venezuelan Oil

    MEDIA NOTE

    OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON

    FEBRUARY 13, 2026

    The Trump Administration is rapidly implementing President Trump’s vision to reopen and develop Venezuela’s oil industry for the shared benefit of the American and Venezuelan people. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, the United States has already issued several general licenses at record speed for oil and gas companies to make unprecedented investments in Venezuela’s energy infrastructure. 

    On January 29, Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) issued Venezuela General License (GL) 46, which authorizes firms incorporated in the United States to market Venezuelan oil to buyers around the world, and largely in the United States. Payment must be made on commercially reasonable terms – in contrast to the heavily discounted prices for which the corrupt Maduro regime sold oil – and must be paid into an account in the United States established and with oversight by the Departments of State and Treasury. We will assure these funds are spent transparently and for the benefit of the Venezuelan people.

    • On February 3, OFAC issued Venezuela GL 47, which authorizes firms to sell U.S.-origin diluent – a product essential for oil production – to Venezuela. This action provides significant benefit both to the Venezuelan people and to the U.S. economy.
    • On February 10, OFAC issued Venezuela GL 48, which authorizes U.S. firms to provide goods, equipment, and services for the Venezuelan oil and gas industry. By utilizing this GL, U.S. firms will play a critical role in repairing and upgrading Venezuela’s oil and gas infrastructure for the benefit of the Venezuelan people.
    • On February 13, OFAC issued Venezuela GL 50, which authorizes certain firms in Venezuela to expand their operations, including pursing additional upstream oil and gas projects. On February 13, OFAC issued Venezuela GL 49, which authorizes oil and gas firms to negotiate and enter into contingent contracts with Venezuela to invest in upstream oil and gas projects. The Trump Administration will subsequently review for approval the proposed contracts to ensure they advance the interests of the American and Venezuelan people. These investments will lay the foundation for the modernization of the Venezuelan oil and gas industry, increase production, and shore up U.S. supply lines in our own hemisphere. 

    Venezuela holds tremendous economic potential, but years of instability, corruption, and economic mismanagement have limited the nation’s growth and prosperity. These general licenses invite American and other aligned companies to play a constructive role in supporting economic recovery and responsible investment. Additional authorizations may also be issued as necessary in furtherance of President Trump’s vision. The United States is committed to restoring Venezuela’s prosperity, safety, and security for the benefit of both the American and Venezuelan people. With renewed cooperation and sound economic stewardship, Venezuela can reemerge as a stable, prosperous partner whose citizens benefit from its vast natural wealth and strengthened ties with the United States.

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  • January 4, 2026: Ukraine adds to its Russia sanctions

    From the Ukraine’s Presidential website:

    Ukraine Imposed Sanctions on Individuals and Companies Producing and Supplying Communications Equipment, EW Systems, and Microelectronics for Russia’s Military-Industrial Complex

    President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a decree enacting a decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine to impose sanctions on 95 individuals and 70 legal entities, the majority of whom are citizens and residents of the Russian Federation.

    These are individuals and companies linked to servicing Russia’s state defense order and to the activities of its military-industrial complex.

    They include enterprises and their executives that produce and supply products in the fields of communications, electronic warfare, and microelectronics for Russia’s military-industrial complex and security agencies.

    Sanctions have been imposed on industrial enterprises in Russia’s chemical, extractive, and metallurgical sectors, as well as in its fuel and energy complex.

    The imposed restrictions are intended to complicate the servicing of Russia’s military-industrial complex and to limit its capacity to produce weapons and military equipment used in the war against Ukraine.

    Our country will continue working with partners to synchronize Ukrainian sanctions within partner jurisdictions. Some of these listings will be reflected in the 20th sanctions package of the European Union, which is currently being prepared.

    No links were provided to the details of the designated parties.

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  • Backgrounder: UK removes Syria sanctions in April 2025

    The following is a summarized version of the original press release from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO):

    The UK government changed Syria sanctions to help the country rebuild following the fall of the Assad regime.

    Here is a simple breakdown of what happened and why:

    What changed?

    • Easing Restrictions: The UK removed bans on key industries like bankingand energy production. This was done to encourage investment and help get Syria’s infrastructure working again.
    • Lifting Sanctions: Specific sanctions have been dropped against 12 major entities, including the Syrian Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Interior, and various media companies. This followed the earlier unfreezing of assets for the Central Bank of Syria and the national airline.

    Why did they do this?

    • To Help Rebuild: The main goal is to let money flow back into the country so the Syrian people can repair their economy and infrastructure after years of conflict.
    • To Support Stability: The UK believes a stable Syria is safer for the region and for the UK itself.

    What is staying the same?

    • Punishing the Old Regime: Sanctions remain in place against individuals from the former Assad regime and those involved in the illegal drug trade (specifically the synthetic stimulant captagon).
    • Accountability: The new rules still allow the UK to punish human rights violations committed by Assad and his associates.

    Additional Support

    • The UK pledged £160 million in 2025 to help with Syria’s recovery and humanitarian needs.

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