1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

The Trump administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign of sanctions against Iran has caused serious humanitarian and economic harm, raising urgent concerns about foreign policy and accountability. While intended to coerce the Iranian government, these sanctions have directly restricted access to medicines, medical equipment, and essential goods for ordinary Iranian civilians. Reports indicate that U.S. sanctions have disrupted humanitarian imports, delayed life-saving medical treatments, and exacerbated the suffering of vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly. Such outcomes raise questions about compliance with U.S. and international law, as well as ethical obligations in foreign policy. Congress has the constitutional responsibility to oversee executive foreign policy and ensure that sanctions are implemented lawfully and proportionately. Oversight should include: - Reviewing the humanitarian impact of sanctions programs - Examining whether sanctions exceed statutory authority or international obligations - Assessing whether executive action is consistent with U.S. foreign policy objectives and human rights standards Unchecked, policies that prioritize political goals over humanitarian concerns set dangerous precedents. American leadership and credibility are compromised when sanctions intended to target governments instead punish civilians. Congress must act to ensure that sanctions are applied responsibly, that humanitarian exceptions are honored, and that the executive branch is held accountable for actions that directly impact innocent populations. Oversight is essential to prevent unnecessary suffering and protect both U.S. moral authority and long-term foreign policy interests.