Sure. I uploaded my first music and everything was fine. When I tried to upload my next track I had some troubles. I sent an email to their support, they said everything is fine but still no chance, since I was using a VPN, I asked them if it's related to the problem or not and then they didn't answer to me at first, today I noticed my account has been disabled and my track has also been removed. Tonight I received an email that states they cannot provide service to Iran. It has been stated in their terms of service, but I should also mention that no sanction regulations prohibits Iranian to use such services. So it's something that they have decided. For example SoundCloud and Youtube provides services to Iranian, yes they are blocked in Iran but there is no such restrictions on their side.
Discussion
Can you monetize music on SoundCloud and Youtube as an Iranian? I suspect it might be due to monetization that they reject you as the OFAC has a pretty draconian regime in the US, where tipping even just one cent could get you in jail for terrorist financing if you tipped a citizen of a sanctioned country like Iran.
They won't restrict it, I mean there is no way to get paid "directly" from Iran but if you can receive the payments indirectly it's allowed and they won't ban your account or the payments. As you know Google and Apple already know where we live all so if they want they can easily restrict access to their services. I already use some paid services from both and I know a lot of people are receiving payments from Youtube here.
Some restrictions are weird.
I had a Namecheap account for 5-6 years with a lot of domains on it. A few months ago, they sent me an email hey we cannot provide services to you anymore because we've detected that you are located in Iran! Well referring to OFAC providing VPN, VPS and such services are allowed. Even Biden encouraged providers to do so. So I assume this as an illegal act from Namecheap.
Most of the sanction regulations are restricting people not government or regime. Clearly, It won't do anything to US or Israel if the artists receive a few dollars from donations.
VPN I understand as it helps Iranians receive US propaganda but VPS and domains? As for the legality of what NC is doing ... I guess there is zero leverage for you and they just cut ties with sanctioned individuals to avoid trouble.
I think the argument is that any economic activity that brings funds into the country leads to the regime getting money to fund terrorists. Clearly if you pay taxes on those funds and also if you don't but buy tomatoes and the tomatoes guy pays taxes ...
You know I want these sanctions to end but being scared by OFAC rules myself, I understand how US companies don't take them lightly.
With these sanctions they can't stop aggression. Quite the opposite is true. "When goods don't cross borders, soldiers will."
Good luck for you and your family ❤️.
Thank you 🌹