ExecutiveOrdersEO
Notice 12170NoticeObama · D

Presidential Notice 12170

Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect To Iran

President Obama extended for one year the national emergency with respect to Iran originally declared by President Carter in 1979 under Executive Order 12170, citing ongoing abnormal relations and incomplete implementation of the 1981 Algiers Accords. This routine continuation maintains existing sanctions and emergency authorities under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

Federal Register Open PDF 74 FR 58841

Impact dates

  1. Continued national emergency expires unless renewed

Key directives

  • Continue national emergency with respect to Iran for 1 year beyond November 14, 2009
  • Publish notice in Federal Register
  • Transmit notice to Congress

Timeline

Immediate

  • National emergency continues in effect beyond November 14, 2009
  • Existing sanctions and blocking orders under EO 12170 remain active

Near term (90d)

  • Annual Federal Register publication and congressional transmission
  • Continuation expires November 14, 2010 unless renewed again

Long term

  • Perpetuation of legal framework for Iran sanctions regime
  • Ongoing litigation and claims process related to frozen Iranian assets

Risks & tensions

  • Routine procedural continuation with minimal policy change; tension between perpetual emergency status and statutory intent for time-limited emergencies
  • Vague reference to 'process of implementing' 1981 agreements suggests indefinite justification
Presidential Notice 12170: Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect To Iran · Executive Orders