The U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is an agency of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Its primary responsibility is to administer and enforce economic and trade sanctions against targeted foreign countries and regimes, terrorists, international narcotics traffickers, those involved in activities related to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and other threats to U.S. national security, foreign policy, or economy.

OFAC achieves its objectives by implementing and enforcing sanctions programs restricting or prohibiting certain economic transactions and activities.

These sanctions may include freezing assets, prohibiting trade, and imposing travel restrictions on individuals and entities threatening U.S. interests.

The OFAC’s mission is to use its regulatory authority to advance U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives, often in collaboration with other U.S. government agencies and international partners.

The agency plays a crucial role in the United States’ efforts to combat global threats and promote adherence to international norms and regulations.

OFAC administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions against specific individuals, entities, governments, and other groups deemed to threaten U.S. interests.

These sanctions are a form of economic pressure used to influence behavior, address security concerns, or promote adherence to international norms.

OFAC targets a range of entities, including foreign governments, individuals, companies, and organizations involved in activities such as terrorism, narcotics trafficking, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and other activities that are contrary to U.S. foreign policy objectives.

It manages various sanctions programs, each tailored to address specific threats or challenges.

These programs outline the restrictions and prohibitions imposed on targeted entities, which may include freezing assets, restricting trade, and imposing travel bans.

The agency is critical in the U.S. government’s efforts to protect national security and advance its foreign policy goals.

Sanctions imposed by OFAC are designed to influence the behavior of targeted entities and address concerns related to global security and stability.

OFAC often collaborates with other U.S. government agencies and international partners to coordinate efforts in addressing transnational threats.

This collaborative approach enhances the effectiveness of sanctions and promotes a unified response to global challenges.

In summary, OFAC plays a crucial role in the United States’ use of economic and trade sanctions to address threats to national security, combat illicit activities, and promote adherence to international norms.

It operates within a framework designed to protect U.S. interests and advance the country’s foreign policy objectives.