ExecutiveOrdersEO
Notice 12957NoticeClinton · D

Presidential Notice 12957

Continuation of Iran Emergency

President Clinton continued the national emergency with respect to Iran for another year, extending sanctions first imposed in 1995 under Executive Order 12957 due to Iran's support for terrorism, efforts to undermine Middle East peace, and weapons of mass destruction programs. The continuation is required under the National Emergencies Act and is distinct from the separate Iran hostage crisis emergency dating to 1979.

Federal Register Open PDF 64 FR 12239

Impact dates

  1. National emergency would have expired without continuation

Key directives

  • Continue national emergency with respect to Iran beyond March 15, 1999
  • Publish notice in Federal Register
  • Transmit notice to Congress

Timeline

Immediate

  • National emergency with respect to Iran continues beyond March 15, 1999
  • Sanctions under EO 12957, EO 12959, and EO 13059 remain in effect

Near term (90d)

  • Notice to be published in Federal Register
  • Notice transmitted to Congress

Long term

  • Annual renewal pattern likely to continue absent change in Iranian policies
  • Ongoing restrictions on U.S.-Iran economic relations

Risks & tensions

  • Routine procedural renewal masks long-term policy stagnation on Iran
  • Perpetual emergency status raises questions about legislative intent of NEA time limits
  • Distinction from 1979 emergency suggests complex layering of sanctions authorities
Presidential Notice 12957: Continuation of Iran Emergency · Executive Orders