Apple Now Free to Export and Sell Products in Iran Following Lifting of U.S. Sanctions

Apple confirmed Tuesday that it is now free to ship and sell its products in Iran, following the U.S. government's move to lift an export and sales ban earlier this year, reports The Wall Street Journal. The lifting of the export ban comes as the U.S. government pushes an initiative to support the free flow of information amidst a crackdown by the Iranian government on protesters' ability to share information.

An Apple spokeswoman issued a statement on the matter:

“We’ve been told by the U.S. government that most Apple products are covered by regulatory changes announced by the Treasury Department,” she said, referring to a decision to ease restrictions on selling a broad array of communications equipment such as smartphones, laptops and computer software to Iran. “As a result, Apple is no longer banned from selling Macs and iOS devices to customers who plan to bring or send those products to Iran,” she said.

The use of technology has played a critical part in helping activists in the Middle East, and notably played a role during the 2009 Iranian election protests. Currently, the Global Trade Compliance section on Apple's website states that U.S. embargoes against Cuba, North Korea, Sudan, and Syria prevent the company from selling its products in those regions.

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