Blocking Property of Persons for Human Rights Abuses by Iran

Oct 1, 2010

Summary

Freezes the money and property of Iranian government officials who have hurt people in Iran or their own citizens since June 2009.

What problem does this solve?

The government of Iran was committing serious harm against its own people. This order stops the officials responsible from using their money or property in the United States and bans them from entry.

What does this order do?

Blocks property of Iranian officials

Freezes all property and money in the U.S. belonging to Iranian officials who are involved in serious human rights abuses.

Targets supporters of abuse

Also freezes the assets of any person who has provided money, technology, or other support to the Iranian officials committing human rights abuses.

Authorizes visa bans

Gives the Secretary of State the power to ban officials involved in human rights abuses from getting a visa to enter the United States.

Prohibits donations

Bans making or receiving donations of money, goods, or services to or from any person whose property is blocked by this order.

No prior notice required

Allows the government to freeze a person's assets without telling them beforehand, to prevent them from moving their money quickly.

Who does this affect?

Iranian government officials
U.S. financial institutions

What is the real world impact?

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Holds human rights abusers accountable

Punishes specific Iranian officials responsible for harming people in Iran by freezing their U.S. assets and banning them from entering the country.

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Applies political pressure on Iran

Uses targeted sanctions as a tool of foreign policy to pressure the Iranian government's leadership and change its behavior on a broader scale, beyond just human rights.

When does this start?

The order went into effect at 12:01 a.m. on September 29, 2010.