Iranian Terror Prevention Act

Bill Number: H.R. 2581
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 Committee on the Judiciary, 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: 2026-04-17T08:07:23Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Iranian Terror Prevention Act aims to combat terrorism by mandating the designation of specific organizations—many linked to Iran—as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs). FTOs are groups officially labeled by the U.S. government as threats due to involvement in terrorism, which triggers restrictions like visa bans and asset freezes. The bill also requires decisions on financial sanctions to isolate these groups and prevent their support networks.

Key Provisions

FTO Designations: Within 90 days of enactment, the Secretary of State must designate 30 named organizations as FTOs under the Immigration and Nationality Act. This includes groups such as the Abu Fadl al-Abbas Brigades, Badr Organization, Fatemiyoun Brigade, Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba, Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, Houthis (Ansarallah), and any entity acting as an agent, affiliate, or controlled by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Sanctions Determinations: Within 60 days of enactment, the President must decide whether to impose sanctions under Executive Order 13224 on 22 of the listed organizations (or their agents/affiliates). These sanctions block U.S. property and prohibit transactions with individuals or entities supporting terrorism.
Reporting Requirements:
The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, must submit reports to Congress every 180 days identifying new entities eligible for FTO designation or sanctions.
The President must report to Congress within 60 days of each sanctions decision, explaining any cases where sanctions are not applied.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces mandatory timelines and specific targets for FTO designations and sanctions, which were previously discretionary under the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224. It expands the list of groups subject to these measures, particularly those tied to Iran, without requiring new evidence of terrorism—effectively codifying and accelerating actions that the executive branch might otherwise delay or prioritize differently.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: Increases workload for the Departments of State, Commerce, and the executive office, requiring rapid designations, investigations, and ongoing reporting. This could strain resources for monitoring affiliates.
Citizens: U.S. persons (individuals and businesses) face heightened risks of penalties for providing any support—financial, material, or otherwise—to designated groups, including inadvertent dealings. Travel and immigration restrictions may affect those connected to these organizations.
International Relations: Could escalate tensions with Iran and its allies (e.g., Iraq, Yemen, Syria), as designations and sanctions target IRGC-linked militias. It may disrupt regional stability by pressuring host countries to curb these groups, potentially affecting U.S. alliances or humanitarian efforts in the Middle East.

Main Stakeholders Affected

U.S. Government: Executive branch officials (President, Secretary of State) and Congress, who must implement and oversee the measures.
Designated Organizations and Affiliates: The 30+ groups, including their members, funders, and controlled entities, facing operational restrictions, asset freezes, and legal isolation.
Iran and Regional Actors: The IRGC and Iranian government, as well as countries like Iraq (home to many listed militias) and Yemen (Houthis), which may face diplomatic or economic pressure.
U.S. Citizens and Businesses: Those with international ties, especially in finance, trade, or aid, who must comply to avoid sanctions violations.
Global Community: International partners, NGOs, and financial institutions navigating U.S. sanctions compliance.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Strengthens enforcement of anti-terrorism laws by removing discretion, but could lead to challenges if designations lack individualized evidence, potentially conflicting with due process principles for affected parties. Sanctions under Executive Order 13224 expand economic warfare tools without new congressional appropriations.
Constitutional: Reinforces Congress's role in foreign policy (via mandates on the executive) while delegating implementation details, aligning with separation of powers but possibly testing executive authority in national security.
Political: Signals a hawkish U.S. stance on Iran, likely fueling partisan debates on counter-terrorism priorities. It may influence broader Middle East policy, such as nuclear negotiations or support for Israel, by isolating Iranian proxies without addressing root causes like regional conflicts.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Steube, W. Gregory [R-FL-17]

Cosponsors (35)

Rep. Cline, Ben [R-VA-6], Rep. Crane, Elijah [R-AZ-2], Rep. Evans, Gabe [R-CO-8], Rep. Finstad, Brad [R-MN-1], Rep. Goldman, Craig [R-TX-12], Rep. Hamadeh, Abraham [R-AZ-8], Rep. Haridopolos, Mike [R-FL-8], Rep. Harrigan, Pat [R-NC-10], Rep. Hinson, Ashley [R-IA-2], Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11], Rep. Messmer, Mark [R-IN-8], Rep. Palmer, Gary J. [R-AL-6], Rep. Schmidt, Derek [R-KS-2], Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24], Rep. Turner, Michael R. [R-OH-10], Rep. Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2], Rep. Yakym, Rudy [R-IN-2], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Luna, Anna Paulina [R-FL-13], Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12], Rep. Rutherford, John H. [R-FL-5], Rep. Baird, James R. [R-IN-4], Rep. Clyde, Andrew S. [R-GA-9], Rep. Harshbarger, Diana [R-TN-1], Rep. Flood, Mike [R-NE-1], Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2], Rep. Biggs, Sheri [R-SC-3], Rep. Fine, Randy [R-FL-6], Rep. Fleischmann, Charles J. "Chuck" [R-TN-3], Rep. Moore, Barry [R-AL-1], Rep. Stefanik, Elise M. [R-NY-21], Rep. Fulcher, Russ [R-ID-1], Rep. Stauber, Pete [R-MN-8], Rep. Jackson, Ronny [R-TX-13], Rep. Fry, Russell [R-SC-7]

Recent Actions

2025-04-01: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, 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 Committee on the Judiciary, 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

Iranian Terror Prevention Act — issued 2025-04-01 — PDF (6 pages)