New Sanctions Announcement

The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control issued a Federal Register notice on Sept. 15, 2026, formally publishing the names of individuals placed on the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List) [1]. The notice declares that all property and interests in property within U.S. jurisdiction belonging to those individuals are blocked, and that U.S. persons are generally prohibited from conducting transactions with them [1]. This action constitutes a new round of sanctions under existing OFAC authority, though the specific names and underlying legal criteria are not enumerated in the excerpt [1]. The notice therefore serves as the formal legal basis for enforcement actions by U.S. authorities and partner jurisdictions [1].

The SDN List is a core tool of U.S. sanctions policy, enabling the Treasury to freeze assets and restrict commerce with targeted actors deemed to threaten U.S. national security, foreign policy, or economic interests [1]. Placement on the list triggers automatic blocking of assets under U.S. jurisdiction and obligates U.S. persons to cease dealings, a mechanism codified in various executive orders and statutes that empower OFAC [1]. The Federal Register serves as the official channel for publishing such sanctions actions, ensuring legal transparency and public notice [1]. Compliance obligations extend to all U.S. persons, including corporations, financial institutions, and individuals, who must implement blocking and reporting measures promptly [1].