U.S. House Approves Legislation to Punish Foreign Companies Supporting Iran's Nuclear Program

Strategic Insights -

The U.S. House of Representatives has approved legislation aimed at punishing foreign companies that sell gasoline to Iran or assist it with its own domestic refining ability. The bill, titled the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act, was passed despite warnings that it may not compel a change in Iran's nuclear policies. The measure, which would strengthen the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, was approved 412-12, with supporters arguing that it is a crucial step in halting Iran's nuclear program.

Key Takeaways:

  • The U.S. House of Representatives has approved the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act, which would prohibit companies that ship gasoline and other refined petroleum products to Iran from receiving contracts with the U.S. government.
  • The bill was passed despite warnings from experts, including James Dobbins, director of RAND Corp.'s International Security and Defense Policy Center, that sanctions have historically been ineffective in forcing improved behavior from targeted regimes.
  • Supporters of the bill, including Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Howard Berman (D-Calif.), claim that it would have a powerful effect on the Iranian economy and force unpalatable budgetary choices on the Iranian regime.
  • The bill follows diplomatic efforts by the Obama administration to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue through dialogue.
  • Iran has insisted that its atomic aspirations are strictly peaceful, but world powers have viewed this assertion with increasing skepticism.

Statistics:

  • The U.S. House of Representatives voted 412-12 to approve the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act.
  • The bill is expected to strengthen the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996.
  • Iran has long insisted that its atomic aspirations are strictly peaceful.
  • A British newspaper report in 2007 indicated that Tehran was working on technology with nuclear-weapon applications.

Sources:

  • "GSN, Dec. 15):"
  • James Dobbins, director of RAND Corp.'s International Security and Defense Policy Center:
  • Howard Berman (D-Calif.), Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman:
  • Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.), ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee:
  • "Los Angeles Times, Mon.":