IRAN SANCTIONS: Impact in Furthering U.S. Objectives is Unclear and Should be Reviewed
Abstract
The 2006 U.S. National Security Strategy stated that the United States faces challenges from Iran, including Iran's proliferation efforts and involvement in international terrorism. To address these concerns, the United States employs a range of tools, including diplomatic pressure, a military presence in the Gulf, and sanctions. A U.S. sanction is a unilateral restriction or condition on economic activity imposed by the United States for reasons of foreign policy or national security. We were asked to review (1) U.S. sanctions targeting Iran and their implementation, (2) reported sanction impacts, and (3) factors limiting sanctions. To conduct the review, we assessed trade and sanction data, information on Iran's economy and energy sector, and U.S. and international reports on Iran, and discussed sanctions with U.S. officials and Iran experts. Congress should consider requiring the National Security Council, in collaboration with key agencies, to (1) assess data on Iran sanctions and complete an overall baseline assessment of sanctions, (2) develop a framework for ongoing assessments, and (3) periodically report the results to Congress. The Department of the Treasury commented that it assesses the impact of financial sanctions. We now cite Treasury's assessments in our report but conclude no overall assessment of all U.S. sanctions has been conducted.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA502722
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office