ExecutiveOrdersEO
MemoMemorandumObama · D Quiet signal

Presidential Memorandum

Preparing for Implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action of July 14, 2015 (JCPOA)

This memorandum directs the Secretaries of State, Treasury, Commerce, and Energy to prepare for implementing U.S. commitments under the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA), including sanctions waivers and eventual termination of executive orders, contingent on IAEA verification of Iran's nuclear steps. The actions are conditioned on future confirmation by the Secretary of State, not immediate effect.

Federal Register Open PDF 80 FR 66783

Impact dates

  1. Sanctions waivers, EO terminations, and licensing to take effect upon confirmation by Secretary of State that Iran has implemented nuclear-related measures in sections 15.1-15.11 of Annex V, as verified by IAEA

Key directives

  • Directs Secretaries of State, Treasury, Commerce, and Energy to take all appropriate additional measures to ensure prompt and effective implementation of U.S. JCPOA commitments
  • Directs necessary steps to give effect to sanctions commitments in section 17 of Annex V, including preparation for termination of Executive Orders per section 17.4
  • Directs preparation for licensing activities per section 17.5
  • Directs consultation with heads of other executive departments and agencies as appropriate
  • Secretary of State authorized to publish memorandum in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Memorandum issuance and Federal Register publication
  • Secretary of State initiates sanctions waiver preparations under delegated authority

Near term (90d)

  • Agency preparation of sanctions termination steps
  • Licensing framework development for section 17.5 activities

Long term

  • Sanctions waivers take effect upon IAEA verification
  • Executive Orders termination contingent on Iranian compliance
  • Full JCPOA implementation if conditions met

Risks & tensions

  • All substantive U.S. relief is contingent on IAEA verification of Iranian steps—creates implementation uncertainty
  • Memorandum explicitly 'subject to the requirements of applicable U.S. law,' preserving congressional constraints
  • No hard calendar deadline; timing depends on external verification process
  • Conditional structure leaves room for future reversal if verification stalls
Presidential Memorandum: Preparing for Implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action of July 14, 2015 (JCPOA) · Executive Orders