ExecutiveOrdersEO
Notice 12957NoticeG.W. Bush · R Quiet signal

Presidential Notice 12957

Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Iran

President George W. Bush continued for one year the national emergency with respect to Iran originally declared in 1995 under Executive Order 12957, citing ongoing threats to U.S. national security, foreign policy, and economy from Iranian government actions and policies. This annual renewal, required by the National Emergencies Act, maintains existing sanctions authorities and is distinct from the separate Iran emergency dating to 1979.

Federal Register Open PDF 72 FR 10883

Impact dates

  1. Continued national emergency expires unless renewed again

Key directives

  • Continue national emergency with respect to Iran for 1 year beyond March 15, 2007
  • Publish notice in Federal Register
  • Transmit notice to Congress

Timeline

Immediate

  • National emergency with respect to Iran continues in effect beyond March 15, 2007
  • Existing sanctions under EO 12957, 12959, and 13059 remain active

Near term (90d)

  • Notice published in Federal Register
  • Notice transmitted to Congress

Long term

  • Emergency authority available through March 15, 2008 (unless renewed again)

Risks & tensions

  • Annual renewal mechanism creates procedural vulnerability if future president declines to continue
  • Document notes deliberate separation from 1979 hostage crisis emergency, suggesting complex legal architecture with potential for confusion
  • No new sanctions or policy changes—pure maintenance may signal policy stagnation or satisfaction with status quo
Presidential Notice 12957: Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Iran · Executive Orders