{
  "id": "RL34525",
  "type": "CRS Report",
  "typeId": "REPORTS",
  "number": "RL34525",
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  "source": "EveryCRSReport.com, University of North Texas Libraries Government Documents Department",
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      "source": "EveryCRSReport.com",
      "id": 360425,
      "date": "2010-04-22",
      "retrieved": "2016-04-07T01:43:26.536201",
      "title": "Iran\u2019s Economic Conditions: U.S. Policy Issues",
      "summary": "The Islamic Republic of Iran, a resource-rich and labor-rich country in the Middle East, is a central focus of U.S. national security policy. The United States asserts that Iran is a state sponsor of terrorism and that Iran\u2019s uranium enrichment activities are for the development of nuclear weapons. To the extent that U.S. sanctions and other efforts to change Iranian state policy target aspects of Iran\u2019s economy as a means of influence, it is important to evaluate Iran\u2019s economic structure, strengths, and vulnerabilities.\nSince 2000, Iran has enjoyed broad-based economic growth. However, strong economic performance has been hindered by high levels of inflation and unemployment and low levels of foreign investment. Some contend that President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad\u2019s expansionary monetary and fiscal policies have worsened unemployment, inflation, and poverty in Iran. With the onset of the global economic downturn, Iran\u2019s economic growth was expected to slow in 2009 and through 2010. \nIran has long been subject to U.S. economic sanctions, and more recently, to United Nations sanctions, over its uranium enrichment program and purported support for terror activities. Such sanctions are believed by some analysts to contribute to Iran\u2019s growing international trade and financial isolation.\nIran\u2019s economy is highly dependent on the production and export of crude oil to finance government spending, and consequently is vulnerable to fluctuations in international oil prices. Although Iran has vast petroleum reserves, the country lacks adequate refining capacity and imports gasoline to meet domestic energy needs. Iran is seeking foreign investment to develop its petroleum sector. While some deals have been finalized, reputational and financial risks may have limited other foreign companies\u2019 willingness to finalize deals.\nWhile Iran-U.S. economic relations are limited, the United States has a key interest in Iran\u2019s relations with other countries. As some European countries have curbed trade and investment dealings with Iran, other countries, such as China and Russia, have emerged as increasingly important economic partners. Iran also has focused more heavily on regional trade opportunities, such as with the United Arab Emirates.\nHigh oil prices have increased Iran\u2019s leverage in dealing with international issues, but the country\u2019s dependence on oil and other weak spots in the economy have to come to light by the 2008 international financial crisis, which may portend a slowing down of Iran\u2019s economy.\nMembers of Congress are divided about the proper course of action in respect to Iran. Some advocate a hard line, while others contend that sanctions are ineffective at promoting policy change in Iran and hurt the U.S. economy. In the 110th Congress, several bills were introduced that reflect both perspectives. Policies toward Iran remain a key issue for the 111th Congress.",
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    },
    {
      "source": "University of North Texas Libraries Government Documents Department",
      "sourceLink": "https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc26277/",
      "id": "RL34525_2009Jun15",
      "date": "2009-06-15",
      "retrieved": "2010-07-07T17:39:19",
      "title": "Iran's Economic Conditions: U.S. Policy Issues",
      "summary": "This report provides a general overview of Iran's economy, addresses related U.S. policy concerns, and discusses policy options for Congress. The purpose of this report is two-fold. First, it provides insight into important macroeconomic trends, policy reforms and objectives, key economic sectors, international trade patterns, and sources of foreign exchange. Second, in the context of U.S. economic sanctions imposed for national security and foreign policy reasons, the report evaluates Iran's economic structure, strengths, and vulnerabilities and discusses issues and options for Congress.",
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      "typeId": "REPORT",
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      ],
      "topics": [
        {
          "source": "LIV",
          "id": "Politics and government",
          "name": "Politics and government"
        },
        {
          "source": "LIV",
          "id": "Politics and government - Iran",
          "name": "Politics and government - Iran"
        },
        {
          "source": "LIV",
          "id": "Foreign policy",
          "name": "Foreign policy"
        },
        {
          "source": "LIV",
          "id": "Foreign relations - U.S. - Iran",
          "name": "Foreign relations - U.S. - Iran"
        },
        {
          "source": "LIV",
          "id": "Foreign relations - Iran - U.S.",
          "name": "Foreign relations - Iran - U.S."
        },
        {
          "source": "LIV",
          "id": "Trade",
          "name": "Trade"
        },
        {
          "source": "LIV",
          "id": "Sanctions (International law)",
          "name": "Sanctions (International law)"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "source": "University of North Texas Libraries Government Documents Department",
      "sourceLink": "https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc463378/",
      "id": "RL34525_2009Jan15",
      "date": "2009-01-15",
      "retrieved": "2014-12-05T09:57:41",
      "title": "Iran's Economic Conditions: U.S. Policy Issues",
      "summary": "This report provides a general overview of Iran's economy, addresses related U.S. policy concerns, and discusses policy options for Congress. The purpose of this report is two-fold. First, it provides insight into important macroeconomic trends, policy reforms and objectives, key economic sectors, international trade patterns, and sources of foreign exchange. Second, in the context of U.S. economic sanctions imposed for national security and foreign policy reasons, it evaluates Iran's economic structure, strengths, and vulnerabilities and discusses issues and options for Congress.",
      "type": "CRS Report",
      "typeId": "REPORT",
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      ],
      "topics": [
        {
          "source": "LIV",
          "id": "Politics and government",
          "name": "Politics and government"
        },
        {
          "source": "LIV",
          "id": "Politics and government -- Iran",
          "name": "Politics and government -- Iran"
        },
        {
          "source": "LIV",
          "id": "Foreign policy",
          "name": "Foreign policy"
        },
        {
          "source": "LIV",
          "id": "Foreign relations -- U.S. -- Iran",
          "name": "Foreign relations -- U.S. -- Iran"
        },
        {
          "source": "LIV",
          "id": "Foreign relations -- Iran -- U.S.",
          "name": "Foreign relations -- Iran -- U.S."
        },
        {
          "source": "LIV",
          "id": "Trade",
          "name": "Trade"
        },
        {
          "source": "LIV",
          "id": "Sanctions (International law)",
          "name": "Sanctions (International law)"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "source": "University of North Texas Libraries Government Documents Department",
      "sourceLink": "https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc462771/",
      "id": "RL34525_2008Aug22",
      "date": "2008-08-22",
      "retrieved": "2014-12-05T09:57:41",
      "title": "Iran's Economy",
      "summary": "This report provides a general overview of Iran's economy, addresses related U.S. policy concerns, and discusses policy options for Congress. The purpose of this report is two-fold. First, it provides insight into important macroeconomic trends, policy reforms and objectives, key economic sectors, international trade patterns, and sources of foreign exchange. Second, in the context of U.S. economic sanctions imposed for national security and foreign policy reasons, it evaluates Iran's economic structure, strengths, and vulnerabilities and discusses U.S. policy concerns.",
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      "active": false,
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      ],
      "topics": [
        {
          "source": "LIV",
          "id": "Economic conditions",
          "name": "Economic conditions"
        },
        {
          "source": "LIV",
          "id": "Economic conditions -- Iran",
          "name": "Economic conditions -- Iran"
        },
        {
          "source": "LIV",
          "id": "Economic development",
          "name": "Economic development"
        },
        {
          "source": "LIV",
          "id": "Economic policy",
          "name": "Economic policy"
        },
        {
          "source": "LIV",
          "id": "Foreign economic relations",
          "name": "Foreign economic relations"
        },
        {
          "source": "LIV",
          "id": "International trade",
          "name": "International trade"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "source": "University of North Texas Libraries Government Documents Department",
      "sourceLink": "https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc463152/",
      "id": "RL34525_2008Jun12",
      "date": "2008-06-12",
      "retrieved": "2014-12-05T09:57:41",
      "title": "Iran's Economy",
      "summary": "This report provides a general overview of Iran's economy, addresses related U.S. policy concerns, and discusses policy options for Congress. The purpose of this report is two-fold. First, it provides insight into important macroeconomic trends, policy reforms and objectives, key economic sectors, international trade patterns, and sources of foreign exchange. Secondly, in the context of U.S. economic sanctions imposed for national security and foreign policy reasons, it evaluates Iran's economic structure, strengths, and vulnerabilities.",
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      ],
      "topics": [
        {
          "source": "LIV",
          "id": "Foreign economic relations -- Iran",
          "name": "Foreign economic relations -- Iran"
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        {
          "source": "LIV",
          "id": "Foreign policy",
          "name": "Foreign policy"
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        {
          "source": "LIV",
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          "name": "International trade"
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          "source": "LIV",
          "id": "Economic conditions",
          "name": "Economic conditions"
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        {
          "source": "LIV",
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          "name": "Foreign exchange"
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      ]
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  ],
  "topics": [
    "Economic Policy",
    "Foreign Affairs",
    "Intelligence and National Security",
    "Middle Eastern Affairs",
    "National Defense"
  ]
}