US allows more basic medical supplies to Iran

The Obama administration on Thursday expanded its list of basic medical supplies authorized for export or re-export to Iran, amid tougher U.S. sanctions against the Islamic republic over its controversial nuclear program. Under an existing general license issued in October 2012, the U. S. Department of the Treasury added to the list a broad range of medical supplies and devices, including electrocardiography machines (EKGs), electroencephalography machines (EEGs) and dialysis machines, along with other types of equipment that are used by hospitals, clinics and medical facilities in Iran. These items can now be exported without prior approval from Treasury, the department said in a statement. "Today's action to expand the general license for the export of medical devices to Iran reflects an important element of our sanctions policy," said David Cohen, under secretary of treasury for terrorism and financial intelligence. "Even as we continue to implement and enforce our rigorous sanctions regime against Iran, we are committed to safeguarding legitimate humanitarian trade." The U.S. Treasury also issued further clarifying guidance on the sale of food, agricultural commodities, medicine and medical devices to Iran by non-U.S. citizens, exempting from sanctions foreign financial institutions that use funds in Central Bank of Iran accounts in processing the transactions.