Richard Nephew argues that far from only imposing sanctions or sanctions-like authorities when U.S. interests are directly impinged, sanctions are increasingly being used as a substitute for more effective action, to avoid taking more risky (but probably necessary) action, and to address domestic political needs in the United States. He uses the example of bill H.R. 5461, or the Iranian Leadership Asset Transparency Act as one example of when the United States should choose not to act (i.e. not pass the bill).
