Imposing Sanctions With Respect to Additional Sectors of Iran

Jan 14, 2020

Summary

Blocks the property of people and companies involved in key parts of Iran's economy to stop the country from funding harmful activities.

What problem does this solve?

The U.S. believes Iran supports terrorism and threatens American military and citizens. This order blocks money from Iran's key industries to prevent it from funding its nuclear program, missile development, and terrorist groups.

What does this order do?

Blocks property of those in key Iranian industries

Freezes all property and assets in the U.S. belonging to any person or company operating in Iran's construction, mining, manufacturing, or textiles sectors.

Sanctions foreign banks doing business with Iran

Authorizes the Treasury Department to punish foreign banks that knowingly handle large financial deals for Iran's targeted economic sectors.

Suspends U.S. entry for sanctioned individuals

Bans people who are sanctioned under this order from entering the United States, either as immigrants or visitors.

Prohibits donations to sanctioned groups

Forbids making donations of certain items to any person or company whose property has been blocked by this order.

Exempts humanitarian aid

Clarifies that the sanctions do not apply to transactions involving the sale of agricultural goods, food, medicine, or medical devices to Iran.

Who does this affect?

Iranian companies and individuals
Foreign financial institutions
U.S. persons

What is the real world impact?

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Cuts off funding for Iran's harmful activities

Denies the Iranian government money from its key economic sectors. This is meant to stop funding for its nuclear program, missile development, and terrorist networks.

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Pressures Iran to change its foreign policy

Uses economic hardship as a tool to persuade Iran's government to stop actions the U.S. considers threatening, such as supporting militia groups and pursuing nuclear weapons.

When does this start?

The order's rules and sanctions went into effect on January 10, 2020.