US President Joe Biden has decided to extend the national emergency with respect to Iran and to maintain in force comprehensive sanctions against the country.
In a message to the US Congress on Tuesday, Biden said: “The actions and policies of the Government of Iran continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.”
“Therefore, I have determined that it is necessary to continue the national emergency declared in Executive Order 12957 with respect to Iran and to maintain in force comprehensive sanctions against Iran to respond to this threat,” he added.
The national emergency began with an executive order by President Bill Clinton on March 15, 1995 to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the US constituted by the actions and policies of the Iranian government. On May 6, 1995, the President issued another executive order, imposing more comprehensive sanctions on Iran to further respond to this threat.
Over the years, additional executive actions have been taken to address various concerns, including Iran's nuclear program and support for terrorist groups.
