Background Basics
Overview of Recent International Sanctions on Iran
UN Sanctions
Passed: June 9, 2010
The sanctions passed with twelve states voting in favor, Lebanon abstaining, and Turkey and Brazil voting against. The sanctions were the fourth round passed by the UN. They include, among other provisions, further restrictions on arms sales to Iran; increased inspection of cargo with Iran as its destination or point of launch; prohibitions on Iran investing in other countries’ nuclear-related activities; additional restrictions on Iranian banks outside the country with connections
A Comparison of the October 2009 and May 2010 Nuclear Deals with Iran
On May 17, Turkey, Brazil and Iran announced an agreement on a proposal for Iran to transfer a portion of its low enriched uranium (LEU) supply to Turkey in exchange for more highly enriched uranium. The proposal followed an agreement between France, Iran, Russia, the United States and the IAEA—the “Vienna Group”—in October 2009 that also focused on a uranium swap. The 2009 proposal was described as a confidence-building measure and was part of a larger
Iran’s National Security Framework
Supreme Leader
• Designated the political and religious leader of the Islamic republic.
• Controls all critical foreign policy decisions.
• Appoints the six religious members of the Council of Guardians.
• Appoints the head of the judiciary, leader of the state-run media and the top military officials.
• Commands the armed forces, decides when to mobilize the military and is the only person who can declare war and peace.
• Possesses final
The Obama Administration’s Statements and Actions on Iran
Since taking office, President Barack Obama’s administration has initiated a review of U.S. policy towards Iran led by Puneet Talwar, National Security Council senior director for Iraq, Iran and Gulf States and Dennis Ross, special adviser to the secretary of state for the Gulf and Southwest Asia. While undertaking the review, the administration has already begun to make changes in the way the United States engages with Iran.