US eases Iran sanctions over quakes

The Obama administration is temporarily easing sanctions on Iran to allow Americans to donate money to US-based charities providing direct assistance to victims of deadly twin earthquakes that hit the country earlier this month.

The Treasury Department announced it would authorise aid groups to transfer up to $300,000 to Iran for earthquake relief over the next 45 days, provided the money is routed through a foreign bank and does not go to or benefit any individual or entity that is subject to existing US sanctions.