Talks in Baghdad reflect Iran's new willingness to discuss its nuclear program, but sanctions may not sting enough to make it change course, says expert Hassan Hakimian.

A Pew Research Center report reveals growing opposition to the possibility of a nuclear armed Iran, but finds that nations still support imposing tougher economic sanctions versus military intervention.

Sanctions have been a major part of the U.S. policy toward Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. This Congressional Research Service report looks at the history and effects of some of the overlapping U.S. and international sanctioning efforts toward Iran's nuclear program.

The White House released this fact sheet on April 23, 2012, accompanying the signing of President Obama's executive order concerning sanctions against those involved in human rights abuses in Syria and Iran.

President Obama signed this exective order on April 23, 2012. The White House states that it "establishes financial and travel sanctions against those who perpetrate or facilitate 'Grave Human Rights Abuses Via Information Technology' in Syria and Iran".

Upcoming negotiations are shadowed by Iran's increasing uranium enrichment capabilities. Four nonproliferation experts provide a path for resolving the intensifying nuclear dispute.

Meghan L. O'Sullivan argues, "...the [United states] should work with its Western and Arab allies to craft a coordinated strategy that, alongside sanctions, is aimed at turning the Syrian resistance into a viable alternative to Assad--and uses the prospect of military support as an incentive for doing so"

Richard N. Haass and Michael A. Levi say it is in the American interest to pursue a negotiated outcome to the current impasse with Iran because the main alternatives to diplomacy—war or the existence of an Iran with nuclear weapons—will be costly and risky.

Leslie H. Gelb says Israeli threats undercut prospects for a settlement with Iran.

The extraordinary risks posed by a nuclear-armed Iran require Washington and its partners to step up activity on economic sanctions and diplomacy, even while preparing military options, says CFR President Richard N. Haass.

The EU's oil embargo is part of a larger Western effort to pressure Iran to reengage over its disputed nuclear program, but some debate the merits of intensified diplomacy with the regime in Tehran.

Secretary of State Clinton and Treasury Secretary Geithner issued this joint statement regarding the EU's new round of sanctions against Iran, on January 23, 2012.

On January 23, 2012 the EU voted on updated sanctions against Iran: EU Regulations 54/2012 and 56/2012, and Council Decision 2012/35/CFSP.

Iran's threat to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz is intended to signal its deterrent capacity to the United States and bolster leadership at home amid biting economic sanctions, says expert Michael Elleman.

Ray Takeyh says Iran's rulers view possession of a nuclear bomb as a means to return to the international fold on their own terms.

Ray Takeyh and Suzanne Maloney say that despite decades of struggling under punitive financial measures, Iran has persisted with its objectionable policies, ranging from terrorism to proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

There is growing support in the U.S. Congress to sanction Iran's central bank in response to new nuclear revelations. Some experts say such a move could backfire and help the regime.

This Congressional Research Service report reviews the history and efficacy of U.S. sanctions against Iran, as well as broadening international support and compliance.

Max Boot says the West is still failing to face up to the growing threat from the Islamic Republic.

This bipartisan amendment to the 2012 defense authorization bill, by Senators Robert Menendez and Mark Kirk, places sanctions on the Central Bank of Iran and foreign institutions doing business with the Central Bank of Iran. Humanitarian exceptions are made for medicine, food, and medical equipment. The bill also allows the president to suspend sanctions if he finds it a matter of national security. The bill passed the Senate on December 1, 2011.