Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act

The Trump administration may lack legal standing to waive US sanctions on Iranian oil under the Obama-era Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act, but officials believe they can temporarily lift sanctions without Congressional approval. Legal experts suggest any challenge to this action would likely fail, though experts note the process of unwinding sanctions remains complex and unlikely to immediately allow US companies into the Iranian market.

The U.S. and Iran have agreed to a framework (MoU) to end hostilities, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and negotiate Iran’s nuclear program. The MoU includes a 'freeze for freeze' commitment on nuclear activities and sanctions relief, but the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act (INARA) could delay U.S. sanctions relief for 35 days, threatening progress.