The Iran Freedom Support Act became Public Law 109-293 on September 30, 2006 essentially committed the U.S. to a policy of regime change in Iran.
It’s declared purpose is “To hold the current regime in Iran accountable for its threatening behavior and to support a transition to democracy in Iran.”
Besides reinforcing sanctions on Iran’s oil and nuclear energy industries, the law “declares that it should be the policy of the United States … to support efforts by the people of Iran to exercise self-determination over the form of government of their country” and “to support independent human rights and peaceful pro-democracy forces in Iran.”
At the same time, it states, “Nothing in this Act shall be construed as authorizing the use of force against Iran.”
The law authorizes the President “to provide financial and political assistance (including the award of grants) to foreign and domestic individuals, organizations, and entities working for the purpose of supporting and promoting democracy for Iran. Such assistance may include the award of grants to eligible independent pro-democracy radio and television broadcasting organizations that broadcast into Iran.”
This assistance can come in part from “funds available to the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), the Broader East and North Africa Initiative, and the Human Rights and Democracy Fund”.
