The executive order imposes maximum pressure on the Government of Iran, denying it all paths to a nuclear weapon and countering its malign influence. The order states that Iran has declared hostility towards the United States and its allies since its founding and has been involved in various terrorist activities, including supporting groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.
The order calls for a robust sanctions enforcement campaign, with the Secretary of State working to modify or rescind sanctions waivers and lead a diplomatic campaign to isolate Iran. The Secretary of Commerce is required to conduct a continuous export control enforcement campaign, while the Attorney General must pursue all available legal steps to investigate and disrupt Iranian-sponsored financial and logistical networks.
The order also calls for increased action against Iran’s access to revenue, including efforts to deny the regime and its terror proxies access to financial institutions. The United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations is required to work with key allies to complete the snapback of international sanctions on Iran.
Furthermore, the order requires the Attorney General to pursue all available legal steps to investigate and prosecute Iranian government officials and leaders who have been involved in terrorism, as well as those who have obtained military or intelligence information through espionage or other means.
The executive order also includes general provisions, including a statement that nothing in the memorandum impairs or affects existing law and a provision stating that the memo is not intended to create any right or benefit enforceable by any party against the United States.