Jimmy Carter actually said...

"I have today exercised the authority granted by this Act to block certain property or interests in property of the Government of Iran."

"It would be premature for the United States to alter its position on sanctions."

"I have ordered blocked all property and interests in property of the Government of Iran, its instrumentalities and controlled entities and the Central Bank of Iran."

"I find that the situation in Iran constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy and economy of the United States."