Treasury Allows Non-Profits to Aid Iran Earthquake Victims

WSJ- The U.S. Treasury Department’s sanctions enforcement arm granted select non-profits 45 days to collect funds for victims of strong earthquakes in Iran.
Since the Aug. 11 temblors hit northwestern Iran, Washington has said it would allow assistance to reach the Iranian people; Tehran has rejected the offer. More than 300 people were killed and thousands were left homeless from the 6.3 and 6.4 magnitude earthquakes.

“The general license is a demonstration of [the Obama] administration’s commitment to supporting the Iranian people affected by this tragedy, and responds to the American people’s desire to provide immediate assistance,” the Treasury Department said in a statement.

Under the license issued Tuesday, which will be in effect until Oct. 5, a non-government organization, or NGO, registered as a 501(c)3 can transfer up to $300,000 to Iran for humanitarian relief and reconstruction activity related to the quake.

Any NGOs seeking to transfer more than $300,000 during the time frame can apply for a specific license, Treasury said.

The license specifically forbids any dealings or involvement with anyone under U.S. sanctions for proliferating weapons of mass destruction or terrorism.

Treasury said donations of food and medicine already do not require a license from the Office of Foreign Assets Control, which enforces sanctions. Those donations are exempt from trade sanctions.