Iran Sanctions Relief Review Act of 2025
Rep. Self Introduces Bill to Give Congress Power to Block Iran Sanctions Relief
The Iran Sanctions Relief Review Act of 2025 is currently in the early stages of the legislative process and has been sent to several House committees for review. No further actions or hearings have been scheduled at this time. The bill is considered active as it awaits initial committee consideration.
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- The bill requires the President to submit a detailed report to Congress before lifting, waiving, or significantly altering any sanctions on Iran. This covers sanctions under at least six existing laws plus any other statute or executive order targeting Iran.
From policy text
“Notwithstanding any other provision of law, before taking any action described in paragraph (2), the President shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees and leadership a report that describes the proposed action and the reasons for that action.”
View in full text - Congress would get a 30-day review window (or 60 days if submitted during summer recess) during which the President is blocked from moving forward with the proposed sanctions relief unless Congress passes a joint resolution of approval.
From policy text
“during the period for congressional review provided for under paragraph (1) of a report submitted under subsection (a)(1) proposing an action described in subsection (a)(2), including any additional period for such review as applicable under the exception provided in paragraph (2), the President may not take that action unless a joint resolution of approval with respect to that action is enacted”
View in full text - If Congress passes a joint resolution of disapproval, the President is legally barred from carrying out the sanctions relief. Even if the President vetoes that resolution, additional waiting periods kick in to give Congress time to attempt an override.
From policy text
“if a joint resolution of disapproval relating to a report submitted under subsection (a)(1) proposing an action described in subsection (a)(2) is enacted in accordance with subsection (c), the President may not take that action.”
View in full text - Reports on actions intended to significantly alter U.S. foreign policy toward Iran must describe the anticipated national security impact and the original reasons the sanctions were imposed, ensuring transparency in any diplomatic shifts.
From policy text
“Each report submitted under paragraph (1) that relates to an action that is intended to significantly alter United States foreign policy with respect to Iran shall include a description of-- (i) the significant alteration to United States foreign policy with respect to Iran; (ii) the anticipated effect of the action on the national security interests of the United States; and (iii) the policy objectives for which the sanctions affected by the action were initially imposed.”
View in full text - The bill establishes expedited legislative procedures in both chambers, including automatic committee discharge timelines and limited debate rules, ensuring that resolutions of approval or disapproval receive a floor vote rather than stalling in committee.
From policy text
“If a committee of the House of Representatives to which a joint resolution of approval or joint resolution of disapproval has been referred has not reported the joint resolution within 10 legislative days after the date of referral, that committee shall be discharged from further consideration of the joint resolution.”
View in full text
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Milestones
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, the Judiciary, Ways and Means, Oversight and Government Reform, and Rules, 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.
Introduced in House
Related News
4 articles
Democrats divided on legislation allowing Congress to overrule White House on lifting Iran sanctions
The House Foreign Affairs Committee advanced the Iran Sanctions Relief Review Act, which would provide a formal congressional review process to remove sanctions on Iran. The bill split Democrats, with some arguing it would undercut U.S. negotiators and damage the ability to conduct diplomacy.
Prospects for a New US-Iran Deal
The 2023 Iran Sanctions Relief Review Act, which mandates congressional approval for any permanent lifting of sanctions, ironically facilitates a path for a new agreement under a Republican-controlled Congress and executive branch as the JCPOA's expiration in October 2025 approaches.
One-Third Of US Senate Introduce Bill Demanding Oversight On Iran
33 US senators joined to introduce the Iran Sanctions Relief Review Act (ISRRA) to ensure that any agreement made with Iran involving sanctions relief must be submitted for Congressional review, responding to reports of a possible unwritten deal between Washington and the Iranian regime.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Iran Sanctions Relief Review Act of 2025
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
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