US Not Removing Sanctions From Iranian IT Firm Delisted by EU

The U.S. has no plans to remove sanctions from Iranian technology company ArvanCloud (see 2306020020) after it was delisted by the EU earlier this month, a State Department spokesperson said.

"Ultimately, the EU’s decisions are up to the EU," a State Department spokesperson told reporters April 8. “ArvanCloud will remain sanctioned by the United States for its clear role in facilitating censorship to the detriment of the people of Iran.”

The EU on April 4 removed sanctions from the company after originally designating it in 2022 for supporting the Iranian government’s internet censorship efforts. ArvanCloud on April 5 said it was removed from the list after filing a complaint with the Court of Justice of the EU,” writing on social media platform X that it “welcomes the decision taken by the European Council and will continue pursuing its rights in international tribunals and forums.”

The State Department spokesperson said ArvanCloud is a “key player in the Iranian regime’s project to cut off the Iranian people from the global internet and surveil them,” and the company “maintains a close relationship” with Iran’s ministry of intelligence and security. It also said senior Arvan Cloud officials are either current or former affiliates of the ministry. “So ArvanCloud remains sanctioned by the United States,” the spokesperson said.