Geneva Interim Agreement Analysis: Disproportionate Sanctions Relief

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 3, 2014 Contact: Gabriel Pedreira, GPedreira@uani.com  Phone: (212) 554-3296 Geneva Interim Agreement Analysis: Disproportionate Sanctions Relief Contrary to the Assurances of U.S. Officials Iranian Economy Experiences Significant Gains Under the Joint Plan of Action   New York, NY - Today, United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) released its updated analysis of the Joint Plan of Action (JPA). The Iranian government reported a 4.6% spike in GDP for the first quarter of the current Iranian calendar year (March 21-June 21), compared to the same period last year. According to the Central Bank of Iran, this is the first time the Iranian economy has experienced positive growth in more than two years. These new statistics directly controvert assertions made by U.S. officials in the aftermath of the signing of the JPA that despite the sanctions relief provided under the agreement Iran would be even deeper in the economic hole after six months. Clearly the scope of sanctions relief provided to the Iranian regime far exceeds initial estimates. Unfortunately in light of these gains, the regime has not been compelled to soften its hardline stance in nuclear negotiations. Improving Economic Indicators ↑ 1.5% Predicted growth in Iran's GDP for 2014/2015, following an estimated contraction of 1.7% in 2013/2014 and 5.8% in 2012/2013. ↓ 24% Reduction in inflation, "from about 45 percent in July 2013" to 21.1 percent by the end of September. ↑ 11% Increase in the value of the Iranian rial since Rouhani's election. ↑ 57% Increase in the value of the Tehran Stock Exchange index since Rouhani's election. Pace of U.S. Sanctions Enforcement has Slowed The Obama administration has pledged to fully enforce all existing sanctions against Iran. David Cohen, the U.S. Treasury Department's point man on sanctions, vowed, "The Joint Plan of Action reached in Geneva does not, and will not, interfere with our continued efforts to expose and disrupt those supporting Iran's nuclear program or seeking to evade our sanctions." However, the facts suggest a different story. Since Rouhani's election, the U.S. has been much less aggressive in enforcing sanctions. In 2013, before Rouhani's June 14 election, Treasury issued 10 sanctions announcements which designated 183 entities for violating Iran sanctions. Since Rouhani's election, there have only been six announcements, blacklisting a total of 95 entities. Human Rights Under Rouhani Since Rouhani took office, the human rights situation has not improved as some had hoped, but has actually worsened in a number of critical ways. For example, the pace of executions has increased to more than two a day in what can only be described as an "execution binge." Executions 2013 368  2014 531+  TOTAL 899+ Rouhani has also not fulfilled his promise to ease Internet restrictions, with Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube remaining blocked for Iranian citizens. In May, six young men and women were arrested and detained in Tehran for posting a tribute video to Pharrell Williams' hit song, "Happy," on YouTube. Click here to view UANI's Geneva Interim Agreement Tracker. Click here to view UANI's Rouhani Accountability Tracker. Click here to view UANI's resource on "Rouhani's Record in Office. ### United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) is a program of the American Coalition Against Nuclear Iran, Inc., a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Objectives of United Against Nuclear Iran Inform the public about the nature of the Iranian regime, including its desire and intent to possess nuclear weapons, as well as Iran's role as a state sponsor of global terrorism, and a major violator of human rights at home and abroad; Heighten awareness nationally and internationally about the danger that a nuclear armed Iran poses to the region and the world; Mobilize public support, utilize media outreach, and persuade our elected leaders to voice a robust and united American opposition to a nuclear Iran; Lay the groundwork for effective US policies in coordination with European and other allies; Persuade the regime in Tehran to desist from its quest for nuclear weapons, while striving not to punish the Iranian people, and; Promote efforts that focus on vigorous national and international, social, economic, political and diplomatic measures.  UANI is led by an advisory board of outstanding national figures representing all sectors of our country.

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