In this episode of Sanctions+, Shahrzad Noorbaloochi is back behind the mic after maternity leave and diving straight into the fast-moving world of US economic sanctions with co-host Milana Karayanidi. They catch up on key developments and trends from the first six months of President Trump’s second term. From slowed Russia designations to increasing focus on China and Iran, they break down what is shaping the sanctions landscape in the first half of 2025. Plus, a few personal reflections on reentering the world of law post-parental leave.

In this episode of Sanctions+, Milana Karayanidi and Shahrzad Noorbaloochi dive into the TikTok saga and the review process by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). As a result of the CFIUS process, a commercial transaction can be blocked due to US national security considerations, which is exactly what happened here. Join us as we unravel the details of this saga and comment on our take on social media in general.

In the latest episode of Sanctions+, Milana and Shahrzad take a reflective journey through the past year, revisiting the insightful conversations, major developments, and memorable moments that shaped the podcast. From thought-provoking discussions with distinguished guests to celebrating key achievements, this episode highlights the lessons learned and the themes that resonated throughout the year. 

Milana and Shahrzad also share stories from their travels and adventures, giving listeners a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the experiences that enriched their perspectives and informed their conversations. Tune in for an engaging recap that celebrates the milestones of the past year and sets the stage for an exciting new season of Sanctions+ ahead.

This is the second part of our episode with export controls and sanctions experts, Thomas Andrukonis and Stephen Wilcox on how they got into this fascinating field, what they learned along the way, and the International Sanctions and Export Control Society (ISECS).

Don't miss the new episode of the Sanctions+ Podcast, where Milana Karayanidi and Shahrzad Noorbaloochi talk to two experts in export controls and sanctions: Stephen Wilcox and Thomas Andrukonis. They reveal how they got into this fascinating field and what they learned along the way. You'll also hear about the International Sanctions and Export Control Society (ISECS), a trailblazing organization that helps businesses and professionals navigate the complex world of export controls and sanctions. Find out the myths and realities of complying with different rules and regulations around the world and how the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) agencies differ in their enforcement and compliance approaches and resources.

Join us as we interview Annie Wartanian Reisinger, Senior Counsel & CFIUS Co-Lead Counsel in the Office of the General Counsel for International Affairs at the US Department of the Treasury. We discuss her diverse background and reflect on her senior legal roles in private practice, in-house, academia, and the government. Tune in for insights regarding CFIUS’ recent addition of over 50 new military installations to the existing list of installations around which CFIUS has jurisdiction and anticipated effects of the recent overturn of the Chevron doctrine by the US Supreme Court, on CFIUS and Treasury’s work. Stay on for inspiring career advice from Annie and some tips on self-tanning from our hosts at the end. As of the date of this recording, Annie is on detail with the Office of Chief Counsel at OFAC.

In this episode, we are joined by a guest co-host, Leah Kehoe, another member of the International Trade team at Dentons! Leah and Milana interview Tim Meyer, a constitutional law professor at Duke University School of Law, on the effects of the US Supreme Court recently overturning the landmark Chevron decision. Professor Meyer explains the concepts of foreign affairs exceptionalism, the Major Questions Doctrine, IEEPA emergency powers, and the expected uncertainties and certainties in the sanctions space that will follow. Stay tuned until the end for Dentons’ International Trade associates’ summer update.

Indulge your curiosity about the life of Semira Nikou, the CEO of “Better Sour” gummy candy, bringing globally-inspired flavors from the Middle East and the Asia Pacific to the US market. Join Shahrzad Noorbaloochi and Milana Karayanidi as they explore Semira’s journey from sanctions associate to an entrepreneur and share views on facing adversity, overcoming personal challenges, raising capital for a start-up, and taking risks.

We are thrilled to bring you the third episode of the Sanctions+ podcast! Join Shahrzad Noorbaloochi and Milana Karayanidi as they delve into the world of international trade with a very special guest, Gustavo Niskier, Director of International Affairs at Vale S.A., one of the world’s largest mining companies. In this episode, Gustavo brings his wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, offering unique insights into how a global giant like Vale navigates the complex regulatory landscape. Stay tuned for the end of the episode when our hosts get deep, discussing their philosophy on change and destiny.

In this episode, Milana Karayanidi and Shahrzad Noorbaloochi discuss key developments in the trade sanctions world, including the February 23, 2024 Russia designation action by OFAC, Venezuela sanctions relief, new actions targeting transfer of personal data to certain countries, and the expansion of export controls involving SDNs. Stay tuned for the end of the episode where we discuss fun spring events and activities in DC and hear about Milana's "situationship" with the road.