The administration of President Barack Obama has lifted sanctions from Russia's state-owned space organization Glavkosmos.

Under the decision, Glavkosmos could resume business with U.S. contractors and clients after an absence of more than 12 years.

In the 1990s, Glavkosmos came under two sets of U.S. sanctions for aiding Iran and India's space and missile programs. From 1992 to 1994, Glavkosmos was under sanctions for violating the Arms Export Control Act and Export Administration Act in wake of a $400 million deal for the transfer of rocket engine technology to the Indian Space Research Organization. The sanctions were removed after Russia pledged not to transfer engine technology to New Dehli.

In 1998, Glavkosmos came under another set of U.S. sanctions for alleged dealings with Iran. Those sanctions banned U.S. companies from trading with Glavkosmos or receiving assistance from the American government.

Officials said Glavkosmos has worked with other state-owned Russian entities such as Baltic State Technical University, Polyus Scientific Production Association and Moso in the transfer of missile technology to Iran. They said Glavkosmos' partners have also been sanctioned by Washington.