White House Spokesperson: Secretary of State Has Authority to Remove Nuclear Sanctions from 'Iran Sanctions Act'

A White House spokesperson stated on Friday, December 3, that President Barack Obama is expected to sign the extension of the 'Iran Sanctions Act' for 10 years, but this legislation gives the Secretary of State the authority to remove nuclear sanctions from this package as long as Iran adheres to its commitments under the nuclear agreement (JCPOA). Eric Schultz, in response to the Senate's approval of the 'Iran Sanctions Extension Act', remarked: 'We have long said that extending the 'Iran Sanctions Act' is unnecessary; rather, our goal and focus have been to ensure the proper and full implementation of the agreement with Iran.' He added that he believes the Iran Sanctions Act does not interfere with the 'Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action' (JCPOA) and 'we expect the President to sign this legislation.' The White House spokesperson clarified: 'As you know, this legislation contains a provision that gives the Secretary of State the authority to exempt sanctions related to the nuclear program from this package, which such authority is based on our commitments to the JCPOA.' Eric Schultz emphasized: 'This is an approach we have taken under such authorities since the implementation day of the JCPOA and we will continue to fulfill this commitment as long as Iran adheres to its obligations under the JCPOA.' While this White House spokesperson states that the 'Iran Sanctions Act' has been valid and ongoing, and its extension does not interfere with the JCPOA, the head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization has stated that if the U.S. President implements the 10-year extension of the Iran sanctions, it would be a 'clear violation' of the Vienna nuclear agreement, and Iran has already made necessary predictions regarding this matter. The 'Iran and Libya Sanctions Act' or 'D'Amato' was first enacted in 1996 during Bill Clinton's administration as a response to Iran's nuclear program and actions in 'supporting terrorism.' According to this law, investments over $20 million in Iranian industries, especially in energy sectors, are prohibited. The U.S. Congress had previously voted in 2006 to extend this law for another 10 years, and with the recent vote and Barack Obama's signature, this law will be extended until 2026.