Iran on Notice

Sanctions played a pivotal role in bringing Iran to the table to negotiate constraints on its nuclear program. Over roughly a decade, the U.S. and its allies imposed powerful multilateral sanctions on Iran that isolated Tehran from the international financial system and crippled its economy. Following implementation of the Iran nuclear deal in January 2016 and suspension of nuclear related sanctions, the pace of sanctions against Iran under remaining authorities slowed. Despite assurances the United States would vigorously press against Iranian activities outside of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the Obama administration did so only sporadically. In many ways Washington ceded the narrative to Tehran, which successfully convinced many in the private and public sectors that in the wake of implementation of the nuclear agreement, they operate in a post sanctions environment. Sanctions can be imposed even while adhering to and strictly enforcing the nuclear agreement. Even under the previous administration's reading, the administration has the ability to press back on Iran's support for terrorism, for human rights abuses, and for missile development.