Trump’s U-turn on Iran sanctions would unravel decades of curbs

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 as they contemplate a shifting patchwork of new permissions and old restrictions.

Following the revolution in 1979, Iran became one of the most sanctioned nations on Earth over its nuclear program and support for regional militias. But the White House is now orchestrating a stunning reversal as part of a broader deal to open the Strait of Hormuz, lower global energy prices and end its unpopular war.

It’s hardly been a linear process. On Friday, President Donald Trump accused Iran of violating a fragile ceasefire and US Central Command launched fresh strikes on Iranian targets. There’s also continuing disagreements that could unravel the deal. 

Still, the pace and scale of the effort has stunned longtime sanctions observers. The US has already authorized the sale of Iranian oil and fuels and pledged to unlock billions in frozen funds. 

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.” It also directs the Treasury Department to issue waivers for existing sanctions for 60 days as technical negotiations unfold.

The disorienting change will be tricky to implement in a way that appeals to risk-averse US financial institutions and other firms, according to former Treasury officials, sanctions attorneys and industry sources monitoring the process.

“You want to be 100% sure that you’re within compliance,” said Adam Smith, a former senior adviser to........

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