Does anyone know if OFAC licenses are required for all transactions with Iran, or are there exemptions for certain types of payments like medical expenses or family support?
There are general licenses that cover specific categories without needing individual approval. For instance, certain personal remittances and transactions related to humanitarian goods may fall under general licenses. However, medical expenses and family support can get tricky depending on the amount and how the funds are transferred. I researched this extensively when helping a family member, and found detailed breakdowns on ofacblockedfundslawyers.com (https://ofacblockedfundslawyers.com/) about which general licenses apply. For anything outside general license scope, you'd need to apply for a specific license from OFAC, which requires submitting detailed justification and documentation. The application process can take months. Banking channels are also limited - most US banks won't process Iran-related transactions regardless of licensing.