Iran Sanctions
Abstract
Iran is subject to a wide range of U.S. sanctions, restricting trade with, investment, and U.S. foreign aid to Iran, and requiring the United States to vote against international lending to Iran. Since 2006, the United Nations Security Council has imposed some sanctions primarily attempting to curtail supply to Iran of weapons-related technology but also sanctioning some Iranian banks. U.S. officials have identified Iran's energy sector as a key Iranian vulnerability because Iran's government revenues are approximately 80% dependent on oil revenues. International pressure on Iran to curb its nuclear program has increased the hesitation of many major foreign firms to invest in Iran's energy sector, hindering Iran's efforts to expand oil production beyond 4.1 million barrels per day, but some firms continue to see opportunity in Iran. In light of the strength of the democratic opposition in Iran, one trend in Congress is to alter some U.S. sanctions laws in order to facilitate the democracy movement's access to information, and to target those persons or institutions in the regime who are committing human rights abuses against protesters. For more on Iran, see CRS Report RL32048, 'Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses,' by Kenneth Katzman.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 02, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA514794
Entities
People
- Kenneth Katzman
Organizations
- Library of Congress