Statement on OSI Activities in Iran

The Open Society Institute’s activities in Iran have focused on humanitarian relief, public health, and arts and culture. These activities were undertaken with the knowledge of the Iranian government and in full compliance with the specific licenses granted by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, United States Treasury Department. In the aftermath of the devastating Bam earthquake in 2003, OSI provided emergency humanitarian relief to survivors—at the request of the Iranian government. None of OSI’s Iran activities have been funded or initiated by the U.S. government.

Like many other international and nongovernmental organizations, including the World Bank, OSI has relied on the expertise of consultants on the ground. OSI is currently ascertaining the status of those people.

OSI’s charitable efforts in Iran are intended to benefit the Iranian people and to promote dialogue between them and the international community.