Imposing Sanctions With Respect to Iran

Jun 26, 2019

Summary

Freezes the property and money of Iran's Supreme Leader and other officials to stop actions that threaten Middle East stability and promote terrorism.

What problem does this solve?

The United States government identified Iran's actions as a threat to stability in the Middle East, a source of international terrorism, and a danger to U.S. assets. This order blocks the property and money of Iran's leaders to limit their ability to fund these activities.

What does this order do?

Blocks property of Iran's Supreme Leader

Freezes all property and interests in property within the U.S. belonging to the Supreme Leader of Iran and the Supreme Leader's Office (SLO).

Sanctions officials appointed by the Supreme Leader

Blocks the property of any person appointed by the Supreme Leader or the SLO to a state or entity leadership position.

Punishes foreign banks that help Iran

Authorizes sanctions against foreign financial institutions that knowingly conduct or facilitate significant financial transactions for sanctioned Iranian persons.

Bans sanctioned individuals from entering the U.S.

Suspends the entry of any sanctioned individuals into the United States, treating them as a danger to national interests.

Prohibits donations

Bans donations of certain items by, to, or for the benefit of any person whose property is blocked by this order.

Who does this affect?

The Supreme Leader of Iran and his office
Iranian government officials and heads of entities
Foreign financial institutions doing business with sanctioned Iranian individuals

What is the real world impact?

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Pressures Iran to change its behavior

Uses economic sanctions to punish Iran for actions the U.S. considers dangerous, like supporting terrorism and building missiles, hoping to force a change in policy.

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Increases diplomatic and economic pressure

Acts as a major step in the U.S. strategy to isolate Iran financially and diplomatically, putting pressure on its leadership without direct military conflict.

When does this start?

This order takes effect immediately as of June 24, 2019.