If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy.

Blizzard blocks Iran access because of US law

No refunds allowed.

Iran has been blocked from accessing World of Warcraft, Blizzard has confirmed. United States trade restrictions and economic sanctions prohibit it.

A Battle.net-wide ban wasn't specified, but presumably this covers all online Blizzard services.

There will be no refunds, nor anything of the like, for those now shut out.

"Blizzard Entertainment cannot speak to any reports surrounding the Iranian government restricting games from its citizens," Blizzard employee Lurdlespor wrote on the World of Warcraft forum.

"What we can tell you is that United States trade restrictions and economic sanction laws prohibit Blizzard from doing business with residents of certain nations, including Iran. Several of you have seen and cited the text in the Terms of Use which relates to these government-imposed sanctions. This week, Blizzard tightened up its procedures to ensure compliance with these laws, and players connecting from the affected nations are restricted from access to Blizzard games and services.

"This also prevents us from providing any refunds, credits, transfers, or other service options to accounts in these countries. We apologise for any inconvenience this causes and will happily lift these restrictions as soon as US law allows."

Mists of Pandaria may never launch in Iran.