ExecutiveOrdersEO
Notice 12957NoticeObama · D Quiet signal

Presidential Notice 12957

Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Iran

President Obama extended for one year the national emergency with respect to Iran originally declared in 1995, citing continued threats to U.S. national security, foreign policy, and economy from Iranian government actions and policies. This renewal is distinct from the 1979 Iran hostage crisis emergency and occurs despite Iran's compliance with the 2015 nuclear agreement (JCPOA), as non-nuclear sanctions remain in place.

Federal Register Open PDF 82 FR 6187

Impact dates

  1. 1-year renewal period ends (implicit next renewal decision)

  2. Emergency would expire without renewal

Key directives

  • Continue national emergency with respect to Iran for 1 year beyond March 15, 2017
  • Publish notice in Federal Register
  • Transmit notice to Congress

Timeline

Immediate

  • National emergency continues in effect beyond March 15, 2017
  • Sanctions authorities under E.O. 12957 and subsequent orders remain active

Near term (90d)

  • Annual congressional notification completed
  • Federal Register publication of notice

Long term

  • Emergency subject to potential renewal in January 2018
  • Continued framework for U.S. Iran policy across administrations

Risks & tensions

  • Tension between JCPOA compliance and maintaining emergency sanctions framework
  • Distinction between nuclear and non-nuclear sanctions creates policy complexity
  • Political sensitivity of Iran policy during presidential transition (Obama to Trump)
  • Potential confusion with separate 1979 Iran emergency requiring clarification
Presidential Notice 12957: Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Iran · Executive Orders