Topic: Ofac

Despite being removed from the SWIFT system, several Russian corporations and the sovereign government have successfully made interest payments on foreign debt. Technical delays involving payment agents like Citigroup have occurred as banks navigate OFAC sanctions, but Russia appears to have the capacity and willingness to pay its creditors.

The U.S. government is moving toward stricter regulations on Bitcoin to combat ransomware payments. Simultaneously, Elon Musk announced that Tesla would suspend vehicle purchases using Bitcoin due to environmental concerns regarding the energy consumption of mining.

The United States withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal impacts multinational corporations, specifically Boeing, whose licenses to deliver aircraft are now considered void. Former Secretary of State John Kerry faces criticism for his continued involvement in Iranian diplomacy, with mentions of his family's personal ties to Iranian nationals. The lack of a formal treaty ratified by the Senate allowed for the unilateral exit by the current administration.

A listener in Berlin reports that PayPal limited his account for "OFAC regulation" screening despite only using it for No Agenda subscriptions. The hosts discuss the erosion of privacy and the potential for being flagged as a "terrorist risk." Additionally, a promotion is read for artist Tanya Long's photography exhibit at the Huis Marseille Museum in Amsterdam.