Joe Biden Extends National Emergency Regarding Iran for Another Year

On Tuesday, U.S. President Joe Biden extended the national emergency declaration concerning the Islamic Republic of Iran for another year, which will continue beyond November 14, 2023. The White House stated that Biden noted in a letter to Congress that the national emergency regarding Iran, initially declared in 1979 with Executive Order 12170, must be extended for another year. According to the report, the decision by the U.S. President is based on the fact that relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran have not yet normalized and the implementation of agreements dated January 19, 1981, with Iran is still ongoing. Simultaneously, the President emphasized to Congress the necessity of maintaining the provisions of this national emergency declaration and highlighted ongoing concerns in U.S.-Iran relations. President Jimmy Carter signed Executive Order 12170 to declare a national emergency against the Islamic Republic following the hostage crisis on November 14, 1979. Additionally, President Bill Clinton issued Executive Order 12957 on March 15, 1995, against the Islamic Republic of Iran, which has been continuously extended by subsequent U.S. Presidents. U.S. Presidents issue national emergency declarations against countries or groups considered to pose an unusual or extraordinary threat to national security. The validity of executive orders issued under the national emergency law against other countries is nullified if not renewed by the sitting President. The national emergency regarding Lebanon has also been extended, referencing the continued shipment of Iranian weapons to Hezbollah.