ExecutiveOrdersEO
DetDeterminationObama · D Quiet signal

Presidential Determination

Presidential Determination Pursuant to Section 1245(d)(4)(B) and (C) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012

This determination renews the statutory finding that global petroleum supplies are sufficient to allow significant reductions in Iranian oil purchases, but explicitly states the U.S. is no longer pursuing such reductions due to JCPOA commitments that took effect on Implementation Day. It maintains the legal framework while acknowledging a policy shift away from pressuring Iran's oil sales.

Federal Register Open PDF 81 FR 85833

Impact dates

  1. Determination effective

  2. Implementation Day (already occurred January 16, 2016)

Key directives

  • Determine sufficient non-Iranian petroleum supply exists per NDAA FY2012 §1245(d)(4)(B)-(C)
  • Acknowledge U.S. no longer pursuing Iran oil sales reductions per JCPOA commitments
  • Direct Secretary of State to publish in Federal Register
  • Continue monitoring situation closely

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Determination takes effect upon signing and publication
  • JCPOA oil sanctions relief already in effect since Implementation Day (January 16, 2016)

Near term (90d)

  • Continued monitoring of global petroleum supply conditions

Long term

  • Maintenance of statutory framework for potential future reimposition of oil sanctions
  • Ongoing U.S. compliance with JCPOA commitments through 2016-2017

Risks & tensions

  • Statutory framework preserved while policy contradicts its purpose—creates legal tension if JCPOA collapses
  • Vague 'continue to monitor' language leaves reimposition timing uncertain
  • Determination made during presidential transition period (November 2016), creating potential policy instability
Presidential Determination: Presidential Determination Pursuant to Section 1245(d)(4)(B) and (C) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 · Executive Orders