“Takeaways for Iran a Year After the Syria Sanctions Rollback,” Lawfare
Partner Rachel Alpert co-authored an article for Lawfare examining what the year-long process of unwinding US sanctions on Syria suggests about the far more complex challenge of any future sanctions relief for Iran.
The authors trace how, even after a decisive regime change, it took the United States more than 18 months to substantially dismantle its Syria sanctions program, with private-sector reengagement slowed by lingering legal exposure and banks' reluctance to commit capital based on reversible waivers.
Applying those lessons to Iran, they point to Congress's central role in any durable relief, the risk of "snapback" if statutory sanctions aren't fully repealed, and the particular difficulty posed by Iran's SST designation and the IRGC's deep entanglement in its economy.
The authors conclude that any eventual US-Iran sanctions deal will likely follow a similarly long and uncertain path, requiring sustained coordination with Congress and international partners well beyond the signing of any initial agreement.
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© 2026 Jenner & Block LLP. Attorney Advertising. Jenner & Block LLP is an Illinois Limited Liability Partnership including professional corporations. This publication, presentation, or event is not intended to provide legal advice but to provide information on legal matters and/or firm news of interest to our clients and colleagues. Readers or attendees should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to matters mentioned in this publication or at this event. The attorney responsible for this communication is Brent E. Kidwell, Jenner & Block LLP, 353 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-3456. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Jenner & Block London LLP, an affiliate of Jenner & Block LLP, is a limited liability partnership established under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with SRA number 615729. Information regarding the data we collect and the rights you have over your data can be found in our Privacy Notice. For further inquiries, please contact dataprotection@jenner.com.
Partner Rachel Alpert co-authored an article for Lawfare examining what the year-long process of unwinding US sanctions on Syria suggests about the far more complex challenge of any future sanctions relief for Iran.
The authors trace how, even after a decisive regime change, it took the United States more than 18 months to substantially dismantle its Syria sanctions program, with private-sector reengagement slowed by lingering legal exposure and banks' reluctance to commit capital based on reversible waivers.
Applying those lessons to Iran, they point to Congress's central role in any durable relief, the risk of "snapback" if statutory sanctions aren't fully repealed, and the particular difficulty posed by Iran's SST designation and the IRGC's deep entanglement in its economy.
The authors conclude that any eventual US-Iran sanctions deal will likely follow a similarly long and uncertain path, requiring sustained coordination with Congress and international partners well beyond the signing of any initial agreement.
Related Capabilities
Related Locations
© 2026 Jenner & Block LLP. Attorney Advertising. Jenner & Block LLP is an Illinois Limited Liability Partnership including professional corporations. This publication, presentation, or event is not intended to provide legal advice but to provide information on legal matters and/or firm news of interest to our clients and colleagues. Readers or attendees should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to matters mentioned in this publication or at this event. The attorney responsible for this communication is Brent E. Kidwell, Jenner & Block LLP, 353 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-3456. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Jenner & Block London LLP, an affiliate of Jenner & Block LLP, is a limited liability partnership established under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with SRA number 615729. Information regarding the data we collect and the rights you have over your data can be found in our Privacy Notice. For further inquiries, please contact dataprotection@jenner.com.
News and Insights
Recognition
Lawdragon Names Eight Jenner & Block Partners to 2027 500 Leading Dealmakers in America List
Lawdragon has named eight Jenner & Block partners to its 2027 500 Leading Dealmakers in America guide, which recognizes the lawyers behind the most significant transactions in the United States. The honorees practice in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York across M&A, corporate, securities, private equity, and finance.
October 19, 2026
Event
Amanda Shafer Berman to Speak on Energy and Administrative Law at WEN-DC Webinar
As the Supreme Court's new Term begins, Jenner & Block Partner Amanda Shafer Berman will join a Women's Energy Network of Washington, DC (WEN-DC) webinar on how the Court's decisions are shaping the energy sector.
October 14, 2026
Publications
Partner Amanda Shafer Berman Quoted in Bloomberg Law on Senate Permitting Overhaul Bill
Partner Amanda Shafer Berman was quoted in an October 5 Bloomberg Law article, "Permitting Deal Gives Projects Defense Against Litigation Delays," on the Senate's new permitting overhaul package and its expected impact on litigation over federal permitting reversals.
October 2026
Event
Partner John Storino to Speak at Sandpiper Partners' “AI and Outside Counsel Guidelines Roundtable”
On October 8, Partner John Storino will serve as a panelist at the “AI and Outside Counsel Guidelines Roundtable,” hosted by Sandpiper Partners in Chicago.
October 8, 2026