US Treasury Department limits Iran‑related research, UC Davis says few projects affected
New federal restrictions reshape university partnerships with Iran and prompted UC Davis to issue compliance guidance
By MICHELLE BEKHTEL — campus@theaggie.org
On Aug. 24, the United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) suspended five general licenses that previously allowed American universities to conduct limited academic, research and educational activities involving Iran. Now, universities and academics across the country are further limited in their ability to collaborate with Iranian counterparts — part of the growing divisions between the two countries amid the U.S.-Iran war.
In response, UC Davis issued a campus-wide notice on Sept. 23, advising researchers and students to review any ongoing or planned collaborations connected to Iranian institutions or individuals located in Iran. The restrictions also apply to individuals who hold teaching positions at Iranian universities, including those providing virtual instruction.
UC Davis Director of News and Media Relations James Nash said in an email that the university does not anticipate major disruptions from the new rules.
“The impact on research is minimal. UC Davis does not have centralized, institutional agreements with Iranian institutions,” Nash said.
The notice, signed by Vice Chancellor for Research Simon J. Atkinson and Vice Provost and Dean of Global Affairs Joanna Regulska, instructs researchers to pause any activity involving Iran until reviewed by the UC Davis Export Control Office. They warn that prior approvals for research and academic activities may no longer be valid.
“As of September 10, 2026, OFAC is considering Iran-related specific license applications with a presumption of denial except as required by law or in certain circumstances, such as risk to life, limb, or environmental safety,” the notice reads.
Activities potentially affected include academic collaborations, remote instruction, conference participation, hiring, travel, financial support and the shipment or transfer of research materials, data, software or equipment. UC Davis also emphasized that individuals should not independently determine whether an activity is permissible.
The university also directed students and faculty to its export‑control guidance, which explains how federal regulations govern the international transfer of certain technologies, data and materials.
While most UC Davis research qualifies under the Fundamental Research Exclusion, allowing open publication of results and excluding such work from deemed‑export rules, the exclusion does not apply to physical shipments, controlled equipment, encryption software or research conducted outside the United States.
Other universities have issued similar notices. Institutions including Indiana University and The Ohio State University have announced that remote instruction, graduate advising, admissions processing and hiring involving individuals located in Iran must cease unless a specific OFAC license is granted, which officials say is unlikely.
UC Davis advises researchers to contact the Export Control Office before continuing any Iran‑related activity and to consult Services for International Students and Scholars for immigration‑related questions. Faculty and students involved in international research are encouraged to stay up-to-date with all university guidelines as federal policies continue to evolve.
Written by: Michelle Bekhtel — campus@theaggie.org