OFAC authorized specific transactions involving the Taliban or the Haqqani Network for the exportation or reexportation of agricultural commodities, medicine and medical devices that would be otherwise prohibited by sanctions regulations or by Executive Order.

In an updated advisory, OFAC underscored the sanctions risks arising from ransomware payments made in response to "malicious cyber-enabled activities."

In an Executive Order signed on September 17, 2021, President Joseph R. Biden declared a state of national emergency to address the threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States posed by the "widespread violence, atrocities, and serious human rights abuses" in northern Ethiopia and the greater Horn of Africa region.

OFAC authorized all transactions on or after January 21, 2022, related to the Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. 2020 8.5 Percent Bond that otherwise would be prohibited by Executive Order.

A media-related hardware and software systems company settled potential civil liability with OFAC for apparent violations of the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations.

A Romania-based bank and its U.S. parent company settled potential civil liability with OFAC for alleged violations of Iranian and Syrian sanctions regulations.

A London-based bank settled potential civil liability with OFAC for alleged violations of the now-rescinded sanctions program that banned U.S. exports of any goods, technology, or services to Sudan.

OFAC extended the authorization of certain exports of educational services and software from U.S. accredited graduate and undergraduate degree-granting academic institutions (and their contractors) to eligible Iranian students who have been granted non-immigrant visas by the U.S. Department of State, but are not physically present in the U.S. due to COVID-19.

On August 20, 2021, President Joseph R. Biden signed an Executive Order blocking all property and interests in property of individuals and entities identified by the Secretary of State to be involved in Russian energy export pipelines.

In a newly issued Fact Sheet, OFAC and the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security reviewed the exemptions and authorizations related to the provision of internet and telecommunications services to Cuba.