Maximum Pressure Act

Bill Number

H.R. 2570

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

International Affairs

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-04-01: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Ways and Means, Oversight and Government Reform, Financial Services, Rules, and Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Last Updated

2025-10-15T08:05:40Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Maximum Pressure Act (H.R. 2570) aims to intensify economic and diplomatic pressure on Iran by imposing new sanctions, codifying existing ones, and restricting relief or waivers. It seeks to curb Iran's nuclear program, ballistic missile development, support for terrorism (including proxies like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis), human rights abuses, and regional destabilization. The bill reaffirms a policy of denying Iran paths to nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles, while supporting human rights in Iran and holding the regime accountable until it meets 12 specific demands (e.g., ending terrorism support, releasing detainees, and halting missile proliferation).

Key Provisions

The bill is structured into five titles, focusing on sanctions, terrorism financing, entity designations, reporting, and additional measures:

• Title I: Sanctions and Authorities
• Codifies executive orders from 2019–2021 (e.g., blocking property of Iranian entities) and prohibits removing certain persons from sanctions lists without congressional certification.
• Imposes sanctions on Iran's Supreme Leader, his office, appointees, and supporters, including asset freezes and visa bans (with humanitarian exceptions).
• Targets arms sales to Iran, expands sanctions on ballistic missiles and related technology, and adds conditions for terminating sanctions under prior laws like the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996.
• Expands sectoral sanctions to include Iran's iron, steel, aluminum, construction, and other industries; clarifies shipping sector guidance; and ends waiver authorities after February 1, 2028.
• Requires congressional review for actions altering sanctions, with joint resolutions of approval or disapproval.

• Title II: Financing of Terrorism
• Prohibits International Monetary Fund allocations (Special Drawing Rights) to Iran.
• Requires certification before removing Iran's designation as a primary money laundering concern.
• Mandates special measures (e.g., enhanced due diligence) at U.S. financial institutions for transactions involving Iran's trade instrument (INSTEX or successors).
• Imposes sanctions on foreign persons linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including officials, affiliates, and those providing support to terrorist groups.

• Title III: Designations of Entities
• Prohibits new waivers or licenses related to IRGC's terrorist designation until Iran meets certification requirements.
• Codifies Executive Order 14175 designating Ansar Allah (Houthis) as a foreign terrorist organization.

• Title IV: Determinations and Reports
• Requires determinations on sanctioning Iranian-backed militias (e.g., Kata'ib groups) and human rights abusers.
• Mandates watchlists for IRGC-controlled entities, annual reports on sanctions violations, Iran's nuclear breakout timeline, disinformation campaigns, support to Hamas, unblocked assets funding terrorism, and counterintelligence threats.
• Includes reports on IRGC economic control, Supreme Leader's net worth, and sanctions impacts on terrorism and human rights.

• Title V: Additional Matters
• Increases rewards under the Rewards for Justice program (up to $50 million) for information leading to arrests of Hamas, Hezbollah, IRGC, or other October 7, 2023, attackers.
• Repurposes frozen Iranian funds for the U.S. Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism Fund.
• Determines additional Iranian banks for sanctions under Executive Order 13902.
• Enhances judgment collection for terror victims against Iran and creates an "Iran Labor Strike and Civil Society Support Fund" from sanctions penalties.
• Establishes an "Iran Kleptocracy Initiative" to investigate and seize corrupt assets of Iranian officials.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Codification and Permanence: Makes temporary executive orders (e.g., 13606, 13846) permanent law, eliminates sunsets on sanctions (e.g., Iran Sanctions Act), and adds 12 new termination conditions mirroring Pompeo's 2018 demands (e.g., ending proxy support in Yemen, Syria).
• Expanded Scope: Broadens sanctions to cover more sectors (e.g., adding mining, automotive to energy restrictions) and activities (e.g., ballistic missiles, drone programs, human rights abuses in Iraq/Syria/Lebanon/Yemen/Venezuela).
• Waiver Restrictions: Terminates or suspends waiver authorities (e.g., under Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act) until 2028; requires congressional approval for relief.
• IRGC Focus: Enhances sanctions on IRGC affiliates, lowers thresholds for "sensitive transactions" (e.g., $500,000), and codifies its terrorist designation without removal options.
• Reporting and Oversight: Introduces mandatory watchlists, quarterly licensing reports, and Comptroller General reviews; applies Congressional Review Act to Iran-related rules.
• Terrorism Financing: Bans IMF aid to Iran; ties money laundering designations to broader certifications.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: Increases workload for Treasury (OFAC), State Department, and intelligence agencies in implementing sanctions, reports, and determinations; limits presidential flexibility on waivers, potentially straining executive-congressional relations.
• Citizens: U.S. victims of Iranian terrorism gain better access to frozen funds and higher rewards for information; Iranian dissidents and workers may receive indirect support via the new fund, but ordinary Iranians could face economic hardship from intensified sanctions.
• International Relations: Heightens U.S. pressure on Iran, allies (e.g., E3 nations urged to "snapback" UN sanctions before October 2025), and partners like Israel/Saudi Arabia against proxies; may disrupt global trade (e.g., shipping, oil) and strain ties with countries like China/Russia aiding Iran; supports UN compliance but risks escalation in Middle East conflicts.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Iranian Government and IRGC: Faces asset freezes, travel bans, and economic isolation, limiting funding for military, proxies, and nuclear/missile programs.
• Iranian Proxies/Terror Groups: Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis, and militias in Iraq/Syria/Yemen lose resources, potentially weakening operations.
• U.S. Entities: Financial institutions must comply with enhanced due diligence; agencies like Treasury/State handle more enforcement.
• International Actors: Foreign banks, shippers, and arms dealers risk secondary sanctions; allies (Israel, Gulf states) benefit from counterterrorism support; global trade partners (e.g., in energy/metals) face restrictions.
• Human Rights Victims: Iranian protesters, detainees, and regional civilians (e.g., in Syria, Yemen) gain accountability tools; U.S./Israeli terror victims access funds.
• Iranian People: Potential support for strikes/dissidents, but broader sanctions may exacerbate poverty and unrest.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Relies on International Emergency Economic Powers Act for asset blocks and visa denials; codifies executive actions as law, reducing presidential discretion and embedding "maximum pressure" policy. Introduces severability clause to protect the bill if parts are invalidated.
• Constitutional: Enhances congressional oversight via review periods and joint resolutions, potentially checking executive foreign policy powers; requires Senate treaty ratification for future Iran deals, invoking Article II advice-and-consent role.
• Political: Bipartisan emphasis on Iran's threats (e.g., October 7 attacks, nuclear advances) signals unified U.S. stance; critiques past policies (e.g., JCPOA as "failed"), favoring Trump's approach; may polarize internationally by urging UN snapback and targeting allies' non-compliance, while promoting human rights to build domestic/international support.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Nunn, Zachary [R-IA-3]

Cosponsors (53)

Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11], Rep. Williams, Roger [R-TX-25], Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24], Rep. Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9], Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6], Rep. Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1], Rep. Collins, Mike [R-GA-10], Rep. Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2], Rep. Finstad, Brad [R-MN-1], Rep. Owens, Burgess [R-UT-4], Rep. Fitzgerald, Scott [R-WI-5], Rep. Crenshaw, Dan [R-TX-2], Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4], Rep. Fleischmann, Charles J. "Chuck" [R-TN-3], Rep. Dunn, Neal P. [R-FL-2], Rep. Luttrell, Morgan [R-TX-8], Rep. Hinson, Ashley [R-IA-2], Rep. Hern, Kevin [R-OK-1], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Steil, Bryan [R-WI-1], Rep. Stutzman, Marlin A. [R-IN-3], Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Zinke, Ryan K. [R-MT-1], Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23], Rep. Moolenaar, John R. [R-MI-2], Rep. Fallon, Pat [R-TX-4], Rep. Van Duyne, Beth [R-TX-24], Rep. Steube, W. Gregory [R-FL-17], Rep. Franklin, Scott [R-FL-18], Rep. Miller, Max L. [R-OH-7], Rep. Yakym, Rudy [R-IN-2], Rep. Huizenga, Bill [R-MI-4], Rep. Gonzales, Tony [R-TX-23], Rep. Goldman, Craig [R-TX-12], Rep. Cline, Ben [R-VA-6], Rep. Joyce, David P. [R-OH-14], Rep. Loudermilk, Barry [R-GA-11], Rep. Stauber, Pete [R-MN-8], Rep. Mann, Tracey [R-KS-1], Rep. Rutherford, John H. [R-FL-5], Rep. Meuser, Daniel [R-PA-9], Rep. Stefanik, Elise M. [R-NY-21], Rep. Smucker, Lloyd [R-PA-11], Rep. Feenstra, Randy [R-IA-4], Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11], Rep. Jackson, Ronny [R-TX-13], Rep. Kean, Thomas H. [R-NJ-7], Rep. Moran, Nathaniel [R-TX-1], Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3] and 3 more

Recent Actions

• 2025-04-01: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Ways and Means, Oversight and Government Reform, Financial Services, Rules, and Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-04-01: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Ways and Means, Oversight and Government Reform, Financial Services, Rules, and Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-04-01: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Ways and Means, Oversight and Government Reform, Financial Services, Rules, and Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-04-01: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Ways and Means, Oversight and Government Reform, Financial Services, Rules, and Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-04-01: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Ways and Means, Oversight and Government Reform, Financial Services, Rules, and Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-04-01: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Ways and Means, Oversight and Government Reform, Financial Services, Rules, and Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-04-01: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Ways and Means, Oversight and Government Reform, Financial Services, Rules, and Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-04-01: Introduced in House
• 2025-04-01: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Maximum Pressure Act — issued 2025-04-01 — PDF (138 pages)

Related Bills

• H.R. 2012 (119th Congress)