22. Editorial Note
On November 12, 1979, President Jimmy Carter announced an embargo on the import of Iranian crude oil into the United States. He stated that the “grave situation” in Iran required “constraint” but that the United States must “refuse to permit the use of terrorism and the seizure and the holding of hostages to impose political demands.” He urged the U.S. public to reduce its consumption of oil. The announcement and Carter’s remarks are printed in Public Papers: Carter, 1979, Book II, pages 2109–2111. Members of the International Energy Agency (IEA) were also informed of this decision, citing it as necessary “in the interest of removing oil as an issue in our efforts to free the American hostages held in Iran” and in order to “emphasize that the issues at stake are the fundamental international principles of the safety of our citizens abroad, the prevention of the use of hostages for political purposes and respect for diplomatic personnel.” (Telegram 294946 to multiple posts, November 12; Department of State, Records of David D. Newsom, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Subject Files, 1978–1981, Lot 81D154, Iran NODIS Cables Nov 1979) Talking points prepared by the Department of Energy and the White House for briefing the House and the Senate, November 13, stated that such an embargo would not increase gasoline rationing, would be supported ultimately by IEA members, would only briefly increase the price of oil, and would not affect heating oil supply prices for the coming winter. (Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Staff Material, Office File, Box 17, SCC Meeting #200 held 11/13/79)
After Carter’s announcement, Iranian Acting Foreign Minister Bani-Sadr announced in Tehran that the Iranian Revolutionary Council had decided to stop all oil exports to the United States. (Jonathan C. Randal “Aide Lists Terms on Captives,” Washington Post, November 13, 1979, page A1)