Obama Renews 'State of Emergency' against Iran


Obama Renews 'State of Emergency' against Iran

TEHRAN (Tasnim) – US President Barack Obama has extended Washington’s "state of emergency" with respect to Iran, keeping sanctions against the Islamic Republic in place for one more year.

“Our relations with Iran have not yet returned to normal, and the process of implementing the agreements with Iran, dated January 19, 1981, is still under way,” Obama said in a letter to the Congress on Tuesday, official website of the Washington House reported.

“Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency with respect to Iran declared in Executive Order 12170,” he added.

The state of emergency has been in place since 1979 when Tehran and Washington severed diplomatic ties.

“For this reason, the national emergency declared on November 14, 1979, must continue in effect beyond November 14, 2015.”

On November 14, 1979, by Executive Order 12170, then US President Jimmy Carter declared a national emergency with respect to Iran, pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

US presidents have declared about 54 states of emergency since Congress passed the National Emergencies Act in 1976.

The state of emergency forms the basis for most US sanctions against Iran. This comes after the recent nuclear deal between Iran and world powers and the upcoming termination of anti-Tehran sanctions.

Obama Renews 'State of Emergency' against Iran
Obama Renews 'State of Emergency' against Iran
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