What does FINDINGS. of Maximum Pressure Act do?

This section outlines findings related to Iran's actions and policies. It asserts that Iran is the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism and seeks the destruction of Israel. The text states that U.S. sanctions will continue until Iran ceases support for terrorism, abandons nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons programs, and ceases destabilizing behavior. Experts estimate Iran has the capability to produce nuclear weapons within a short timeframe. The section highlights Iran's development and proliferation of ballistic missiles and drones, and its support for various militant groups. It criticizes the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), arguing it was flawed and allowed Iran to retain pathways to nuclear weapons. The text details Iran's violations of the JCPOA and UNSCR 2231. Recent events, including strikes in Lebanon and Yemen, and U.S. and UK acknowledgements of Iran's nuclear advancements, are noted. National Security Presidential Memorandum 2 (NSPM-2) is supported as a framework for exerting pressure on Iran to halt support for terrorist proxies.

What does SENSE OF CONGRESS ON IRANIAN RESPONSIBILITY FOR HAMAS TERROR of Maximum Pressure Act do?

This section expresses the sense of Congress regarding Iran's responsibility for Hamas's October 7, 2023, terrorist attack against Israel. Congress asserts that Iran is culpable due to its funding, training, and coordination of Hamas and other terrorist organizations. The section states that funds released to Iran, directly or indirectly, benefit Iranian proxies and encourage terrorism. Congress calls for the immediate freezing of all funds previously released to Iran and the suspension of licenses and waivers allowing funding to flow to Iran. The section advocates for the United States to halt its 'appeasement' of the Iranian regime and return to a policy of 'maximum pressure' as a suitable punishment.

What does STATEMENT OF POLICY. of Maximum Pressure Act do?

This section establishes U.S. policy regarding Iran, aiming to deny Iran nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles. The policy seeks to deter and defeat attempts by Iran and its proxies against Israel. It aims to roll back Iran's influence in the Middle East and support human rights within Iran. Any new agreement with Iran should be submitted to the Senate for ratification as a treaty. The policy mandates maximum economic pressure on Iran until it fulfills 12 demands outlined by former Secretary of State Pompeo in 2018. These demands include declarations to the IAEA regarding Iran's nuclear program, halting enrichment and plutonium reprocessing, and providing access to all sites. Other demands involve releasing detained citizens, ending support for terrorism, respecting Iraqi sovereignty, and withdrawing forces from Syria.

What does CODIFICATION OF UNITED STATES POLICY. of Maximum Pressure Act do?

This section codifies United States policy regarding Iran, as declared in National Security Presidential Memorandum 2 (NSPM-2) issued in 2025. The policy aims to deny Iran paths to a nuclear weapon, curtail its ballistic missile program, and counter its support for terrorist proxies. The United States reaffirms that no sanctions relief or enforcement failure shall be provided to Iran or related entities unless Iran ceases support for terrorism, halts missile development, and dismantles its nuclear program. Funds may not be obligated for dialogue or engagement with Iranian officials known to have participated in terrorist activities resulting in the death or kidnapping of a U.S. person.

What does SEVERABILITY. of Maximum Pressure Act do?

This section establishes a severability clause for the Act. If any part of the Act is found to be invalid, the rest of the Act remains in effect. The invalidity of a provision, amendment, or its application to a specific person or circumstance does not affect its application to others.

What does ADDITIONAL SANCTIONS WITH RESPECT TO FOREIGN PERSONS THAT ARE of Maximum Pressure Act do?

This section amends the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 to impose additional sanctions on foreign persons who are officials, agents, or affiliates of, or owned or controlled by, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps. The amendment modifies the timing of investigations and reporting requirements, extending the initial deadline to 180 days after the enactment of the Maximum Pressure Act and subsequent reviews every 180 days. The President is required to investigate and determine if listed entities, including the Telecommunication Company of Iran and the Mobile Telecommunication Company of Iran, are owned or controlled by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps. The President must submit a report to Congress within 90 days of enactment, detailing these determinations and their reasoning. The definition of 'sensitive transactions or activities' is updated, lowering the threshold to $500,000 and adding provisions related to support for foreign terrorist organizations and the Government of Syria. Violations of the amended section are subject to penalties under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.