Sanctions Programs and Country Information OFAC administers a number of different sanctions programs. The sanctions can be either comprehensive or selective, using the blocking of assets and trade restrictions to accomplish foreign policy and national security goals.

Comprehensive sanctions are currently in place targeting Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria, and certain conflict regions of Ukraine, which heavily restrict nearly all trade and financial transactions between U.S. persons and those regions.

There are different types of sanctions, such as economic sanctions, international sanctions, embargo, and diplomatic sanctions. Sanctions put pressure on countries that endanger the peace, implement harmful policies, or violate international law. Sanctions can also be imposed on specific individuals or organizations.

The US sanctions against Syria are the most severe, as they affect third-parties as well, and amount to an embargo.