2013 Briefing Book - Print Version - Aipac

IRAN
What Congress Has Done to Prevent a Nuclear Iran
Targeted Iran’s Nuclear and Missile Programs. Congress has enacted a series of
sanctions laws to punish foreign firms that supply Iran with nuclear components and
conventional weapons. These sanctions, and tough law-enforcement efforts, have
disrupted Iran’s proliferation networks, and limited the flow of critical technologies
to Tehran.
Squeezed Iran’s Energy Sector. Since 1996, Congress has passed a series of laws targeting
the economic heart of Iran: its energy sector. Most recently, Congress passed the National
Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2012 and the Iran Threat Reduction and
Syria Human Rights Act of 2012, which targeted Iranian oil exports and support to the
Iranian energy sector.
Outlawed Financial Firms Dealing with Iran. In 2010, Congress passed provisions that
mandate sanctions on foreign banks that continue to conduct significant business
with sanctioned Iranian entities. Since 2006, the United States has specifically
sanctioned more than 20 Iranian financial institutions, and all Iranian banks have
been barred from carrying out transactions via U.S.-based financial institutions.
In 2011, Congress approved sanctions on foreign financial institutions that continue
to carry out significant financial transactions with the Central Bank of Iran. As a
result, Iran has been virtually cut off from the entire international financial system.
Called on the Administration to Enforce Sanctions. Congress has repeatedly urged the
executive branch to utilize its authority and fully enforce U.S. sanctions. In March of
2011, the United States imposed sanctions on seven firms providing support to Iran’s
refined petroleum sector. Congress continues to press the Obama administration to
implement sanctions on Chinese companies and other businesses with ties to Iran.
Reiterated that All Options Are on the Table. Members of Congress have repeatedly
reiterated that all options must remain on the table to deal with the threat of a
nuclear Iran. Congress has pressed the Pentagon to ensure that the United States is
prepared to carry out any action ordered by the president that may be needed to
stop Iran’s nuclear quest. In the 2011 National Defense Authorization Act, Congress
required the preparation of a national military strategy to counter Iran. In December
2012, 74 senators signed a letter to President Obama calling on him to affirm his
readiness to take military action against Iran if it continues to seek a nuclear weapon.
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