Statement on H.R. 6297 - Iran Sanctions Extension Act

The following statement was provided by White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest. 

This Administration has made clear that an extension of the Iran Sanctions Act, while unnecessary, is entirely consistent with our commitments in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).  Consistent with this longstanding position, the extension of the Iran Sanctions Act is becoming  law without the President's signature.  Extension of the Iran Sanctions Act, which was in place at the time the JCPOA was negotiated and remains so today, does not affect in any way our ability to fulfil our commitments in the JCPOA.  The Administration has, and continues to use, all of the necessary authorities to waive the relevant sanctions, to enforce those that are outside the scope of the JCPOA, and to reimpose sanctions if necessary in the event that Iran should fail to perform its commitments under the JCPOA.  Ensuring the continued implementation of the JCPOA is a top strategic objective for the United States and for our allies and partners around the world. The JCPOA makes our nation, and the entire world, safer by verifiably ensuring Iran cannot develop a nuclear weapon.  As long as Iran adheres to its commitments under the JCPOA, we remain steadfastly committed to maintaining ours as well.