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Find out moreWe are excited to share the latest edition of the Law Update, beautifully and appropriately titled “Sustainable Horizons: The Saudi Arabian Vision.” Giving special honor to the Kingdom’s 2030 vision, this update focuses on a collection of both informative and inspiring articles.
For those in construction, you can learn about how the tendering environment impacts risk-pricing for contractors, the updates on the legal framework of the construction industry and how contractors can protect themselves against financial difficulties.
There is good news too from the kingdom’s banking sector, from which the practice of “Open Banking” is being pushed for! But what is open banking? We’re answering that too.
Also . . . Are there any women trail blazers in Saudi Arabia you can name? We’ll help you with that. We cover how the Middle East has been making strides in empowering women in the entrepreneurial space,most notably in STEM fields.
Read the full editionIbtissem Lassoued - Partner, Head of Advisory - Financial Crime / Family Business
June – July 2015
However, understanding the various unilateral and multilateral sanctions against Iran is not simple. These are complex and ever-changing regulations from different international sources; any number of which can apply to a company or individual depending on many factors such as nationality, place of business and ownership structure.
The world recently watched eagerly every time the P5+1 and Iran sat down for a round of negotiations, hoping they would strike an accord.
A ‘historic’ understanding
On 2 April 2015, the P5+1, the European Union and Iran reached a ‘historic’ understanding, as they concluded upon a preliminary framework for a nuclear deal. However, the positivity came with mixed feelings. Soon afterwards, the respective governments published their views of the agreement. The media was quick to highlight why it was uncertain and unclear that a deal would go through.
Following these negotiations in Lausanne, the P5+1, European Union and Iran agreed on a preliminary framework for an agreement, which once / if it comes into effect, will relieve Iran of some of the toughest sanctions imposed upon a nation, in exchange for significantly curbing its nuclear activities.
What does the deal have to offer?
Are you free to do business with and within Iran?
It is crucial to note the following:
This means that the sanctions remain as they are
Owing to the chain of events that have occurred in the past few weeks, it is unclear as to whether the P5+1 and Iran will be able to reach a conclusive deal. The 30th June 2015 deadline has been extended – as previous deadlines have been – to the 10th of July 2015, with a view to progress and finalize the negotiations.
Hence, you must continue to be vigilant to sanctions violations, and it would be advisable for all businesses to strengthen their compliance systems and structures.
Enforcement actions that we have witnessed reiterate the need to have strong compliance programmes in place, despite the news that is floating around regarding hungry investors, individuals and conglomerates alike, eyeing Iran as an investment opportunity and acting too soon.
The next few weeks will be critical as the P5+1 continue talks and work on drafting the deal. Until then, we wait and watch for matters to unfold.
For any queries in relation to economic sanctions, please contact Ibtissem Lassoued, Partner in our Regional Financial Crime Practice (email: i.lassoued@tamimi.com)
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