The United States has announced sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC), blocking its property and financial interests under United States jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, it has issued a 180-day general licence to allow continuation of court activities.

The United States Department of State announced the sanctions in a fact sheet, stating that the action was part of the measures by President Donald Trump’s government to defend U.S sovereignty and protect American citizens against alleged threats posed by ICC.

According to the department, the ICC is being designated under Section 1(a)(ii)(A) of Executive Order 14203, titled, ‘Imposing Sanctions on the International Criminal Court.’

The department said U.S has so far, imposed sanctions on 17 individuals under the Executive Order, the latest of which was intended to address what Washington considers threats arising from the court’s activities.

Beyond designation, the United States Department of the Treasury issued four general licences authorising specific transactions involving the ICC to protect American interests.

These include a 180-day licence covering certain activities necessary to maintain the court’s operations, a licence for specified information technology services, including cloud and software services, and separate licences covering activities related to the court’s pension plan and detainees.

The State Department said the 180-day licence was intended to give states parties to the ICC time to demonstrate meaningful progress towards diplomatic and legal resolutions addressing United States concerns about the court.

It added that the licence could be adjusted depending on the success or failure of efforts to resolve those concerns.

Under the sanctions, all property and interests in property belonging to ICC located in the U.S or held by its citizens are blocked and must be reported to the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), subject to applicable licences and exceptions.

The measures also prohibit transactions by U.S persons or transactions conducted within or passing through the country, involving property or interests in property belonging to designated or otherwise blocked persons, unless exempted or authorised by OFAC.

The restrictions cover the provision or receipt of funds, goods and services involving blocked persons, including contributions made directly or indirectly for their benefit, subject to applicable exemptions and authorisations.

The Treasury Department said petitions seeking removal from the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list could be submitted to OFAC through its reconsideration email address. Applicants are also directed to the State Department’s delisting guidance.

The State Department referred the public to a video message by United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, announcing the sanctions, as well as OFAC’s website for further details on the licences and restrictions.