President Obama signed enhanced Iran sanctions into law.

Obama invited representatives of a number of pro-Israel groups as well as the Congressional leadership of both parties to witness the signing Thursday evening of sanctions that target third parties that deal with Iran’s energy and finance sectors, as well as human rights abusers.

“For years, the Iranian government has violated its commitments, defied United Nations Security Council resolutions, and forged ahead with its nuclear program – all while supporting terrorist groups and suppressing the aspirations of the Iranian people,” Obama said.

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

He placed the sanctions in the context of international efforts to ramp up Iran’s isolation until it makes transparent its nuclear program, including new U.N. Security Council resolutions issued last month.

“Consistent with the Security Council mandate, this legislation strengthens existing sanctions, authorizes new ones and supports our multilateral diplomatic strategy to address Iran’s nuclear programs,” he said. “It makes it harder for the Iranian government to purchase refined petroleum and the goods, services and materials to modernize Iran’s oil and natural gas sector. It makes it harder for the Revolutionary Guards and banks that support Iran’s nuclear programs and terrorism to engage in international finance. It says to companies seeking procurement contracts with the United States government – if you want to do business with us, you first have to certify that you’re not doing prohibited business with Iran.”

The sanctions were approved last week in Congress, with overwhelming majorities in both Houses.

The Forward is free to read, but it isn’t free to produce

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward.

Now more than ever, American Jews need independent news they can trust, with reporting driven by truth, not ideology. We serve you, not any ideological agenda.

At a time when other newsrooms are closing or cutting back, the Forward has removed its paywall and invested additional resources to report on the ground from Israel and around the U.S. on the impact of the war, rising antisemitism and polarized discourse.

Readers like you make it all possible. Support our work by becoming a Forward Member and connect with our journalism and your community.

This is a great time to support independent Jewish journalism you rely on. Make a gift today!

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.

$90 $180

$360

Other amount