Number: RS20871
Title: The Iran Sanctions Act (ISA)
Authors: Kenneth Katzman, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: International pressure on Iran to curb its nuclear program is increasing the hesitation of major foreign firms to invest in Iran's energy sector, hindering Iran's efforts to expand oil production beyond 4.1 million barrels per day. Iran continues to attract preliminary energy investment interest from firms primarily in Asia. The formal U.S. effort to curb energy investment in Iran began in 1996 with the Iran Sanctions Act (ISA), although no firms have been sanctioned under it and the precise effects of that law on energy investment in Iran has been unclear. In the 110th Congress, two bills passed by the House (H.R. 1400 and H.R. 7112), and several others, add ISA provisions and are widely expected to be reintroduced in the 111th Congress.
Pages: 7
Date: December 12, 2008