Obama To Clears Sanctions To Squeeze Iran President Barack Obama is moving ahead with tough new sanctions aimed at squeezing Iran's oil exports after determining there is enough crude on world markets to take the step without harming U.S. allies. The penalties are to take effect at the end of June. Countries can still avoid the sanctions if they act to significantly reduce their imports before then. Obama was under a deadline to decide by Friday. The White House has not yet officials announced the decision.