Presidential Determination Pursuant to Section 1245(d)(4)(B) and (C) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012

President Obama determined that global oil markets had sufficient non-Iranian supply to allow countries to significantly reduce Iranian oil purchases without causing supply disruptions. This continued a sanctions policy required by the 2012 NDAA, maintaining pressure on Iran's nuclear program through petroleum-based financial restrictions.

Federal Register Open PDF 78 FR 35537

Impact dates

Date TBD
Federal Register publication by Secretary of State

Key directives

Determine sufficient non-Iranian petroleum supply exists per NDAA FY2012 Section 1245(d)(4)(B) and (C)
Continue monitoring situation to ensure market can accommodate reduced Iranian purchases
Secretary of State to publish memorandum in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

Determination takes effect upon signing; continues existing sanctions framework

Near term (90d)

Secretary of State to publish determination in Federal Register
Ongoing monitoring of global oil market conditions

Long term

Sustained pressure on Iran's petroleum export revenues
Potential for continued determinations based on market conditions

Risks & tensions

Document cites no specific deadline for Federal Register publication—only 'authorized and directed' without time bound
Determination explicitly 'consistent with' three prior 2012 determinations, suggesting routine continuation rather than new policy development
Market conditions cited (spare capacity, increased production) are inherently volatile; determination may require revision if supply conditions shift
Effectiveness depends on foreign compliance with U.S. secondary sanctions—extraterritorial reach creates diplomatic friction