Authorizing Sanctions in the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act

Oct 12, 2012

Summary

Lets the government punish people and groups in Iran for human rights abuses, censorship, and helping Iran's oil industry.

What problem does this solve?

The U.S. government identified that Iran was committing serious human rights abuses and engaging in censorship, which threatened national security. This order gives the President the power to financially punish individuals and companies, both inside and outside of Iran, that help the Iranian government with these harmful activities.

What does this order do?

Implements a range of financial sanctions

Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to block property, stop loans, and prohibit financial transactions for any person or company sanctioned under various Iran-related laws.

Punishes supporters of human rights abuses

Blocks the property and assets of any person who knowingly helps the Iranian government commit serious human rights abuses by providing goods, technology, or services.

Sanctions those involved in censorship

Blocks the property of anyone who engages in censorship, limits freedom of speech or assembly for Iranian citizens, or restricts access to media.

Restricts U.S.-owned foreign companies

Prohibits companies outside the U.S. that are owned or controlled by a U.S. person from doing business with the Government of Iran.

Suspends U.S. entry for sanctioned individuals

Bans any person sanctioned for helping with human rights abuses or censorship in Iran from entering the United States.

Targets Iran's petroleum industry

Authorizes sanctions against any person who, between 2010 and 2012, sold goods, services, or technology to help Iran produce or import refined petroleum products.

Who does this affect?

Individuals and companies doing business with Iran
The Government of Iran
Iranian citizens

What is the real world impact?

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Increases pressure on the Iranian government

Applies financial and trade punishments to pressure Iran into changing its policies on human rights and freedom of speech. By targeting key sectors like the oil industry, it aims to limit the government's resources.

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Strengthens presidential authority

Gives the President and executive agencies clear authority to act on sanctions previously established by Congress. This allows for faster and more direct implementation of foreign policy goals.

When does this start?

This order became effective on October 9, 2012, and sets a deadline for certain companies to end their business with Iran.

Deadline for Divestment

U.S. persons who own or control a foreign company doing business with Iran must sell or end their business with that company by February 6, 2013, to avoid penalties.