BNP Paribas SASanctions relief reduces legal and compliance risks for BNP Paribas, which previously faced penalties for Iran-related violations.

The Trump administration's effort to unwind decades of sanctions as part of a deal to end the war with Iran has created a head-spinning situation for governments, banks and other companies. The 14-point memorandum of understanding signed by Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on June 17 includes the removal of all US sanctions on Iran on an agreed upon schedule and directs the Treasury Department to issue waivers for existing sanctions for 60 days. The US has already authorized the sale of Iranian oil and fuels and pledged to unlock billions in frozen funds, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent saying Iran will invoice its oil sales in US dollars. On Monday, Treasury issued General License X, which allowed oil sales to be conducted in US dollar-denominated funds, but risk-averse financial institutions remain cautious, with some Iran hawks pushing for escrow accounts to ensure funds do not go to proxy groups. Former Treasury officials and sanctions attorneys note that firms are likely to seek clear guidance such as comfort letters, while some lawmakers may pressure banks by reminding them of obligations under laws like the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act.
BNP Paribas SASanctions relief reduces legal and compliance risks for BNP Paribas, which previously faced penalties for Iran-related violations.