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.

Syria is faced with an increasing number of international sanctions for its bloody crackdown against protesters. CFR's Mohamad Bazzi says the crises facing the regime are unprecedented, but the regime doesn't appear to be giving in.

Secretary of State Clinton and Treasury Secretary Geithner gave these remarks on November 21, 2011, regarding the presidential executive order introducing new sanctions on Iran.

President Obama signed this executive order regarding sanctions against Iran on November 20, 2011.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave these remarks regarding the situation in Syria on August 18, 2011. She stated, "This morning, President Obama called on Asad to step aside and announced the strongest set of sanctions to date targeting the Syrian Government. These sanctions include the energy sector to increase pressure on the regime. The transition to democracy in Syria has begun, and it's time for Asad to get out of the way."

The White House released this fact sheet on Syria on August 18, 2011, regarding the U.S.' "series of steps and actions to work toward putting an end to the Syrian government’s violence, arrests, and torture, supporting the Syrian people’s universal rights, and pushing for a democratic transition".

President Obama signed this Executive Order on August 18, 2011. The order, according to the White House, "blocks the property of the Syrian government, bans U.S. persons from new investments in or exporting services to Syria, and bans U.S. imports of, and other transactions or dealings in, Syrian-origin petroleum or petroleum products".

With Bashar al-Assad's government thumbing its nose at global anger as it continues a violent crackdown on protesters, the international community should step up pressure and invoke tough sanctions against Syria's oil exports, says expert Andrew Tabler.

UN Security Council Resolution 1989 regarding al-Qaeda and sanctions was adopted by the UN Security Council on June 17, 2011.

UN Security Council Resolution 1988 regarding the Taliban and sanctions was adopted by the UN Security Council on June 17, 2011.