Sanctions Mechanics

Sanctions can affect counterparties, products, payment routes and access to services. Their economic channels include delays, added checks, financing costs and uncertainty. Scope depends on jurisdiction, parties and the actual transaction; a news headline cannot establish legal permission. OFAC programmes and licences change, and a general licence differs from a case-specific licence. Read the current official text and expiry conditions. This lesson explains market effects; it does not provide steps to evade restrictions or claim that any channel is lawful for a particular person.

Worked example (hypothetical)

A payment of 100 units with 3 units in direct fees and 2 units in delay-related financing costs has a 5% measured cost before exchange-rate changes. That cost does not establish whether the payment is permitted.

Check your understanding

Is an old licence enough to judge a current transaction? No. Check current scope, parties, conditions and effective dates.

Sources, reviewed 5 October 2026

• Iran Sanctions
• OFAC FAQ 7: General and Specific Licenses