Iran News: U.S. Senate Passes Comprehensive Foreign Aid Package Imposing Stricter Sanctions on Regime
Written by
Mahmoud Hakamian
In a significant move that will reshape the United States policy towards Iran, the Senate has approved a comprehensive foreign aid package, including stringent sanctions targeting the Iranian regime’s terrorist activities and its oil sector. The bill, passed with a resounding majority of 79-18, is set to be signed into law by US President Joe Biden, who has expressed his support for the legislation.
The legislation expands existing sanctions on Iran’s oil industry to encompass foreign ports, vessels, and refineries involved in processing or shipping Iranian crude oil in violation of U.S. sanctions. Additionally, it extends secondary sanctions to cover all transactions between Chinese financial institutions and sanctioned Iranian banks engaged in the purchase of petroleum and oil-derived products.
The passage of this bill underscores the United States’ commitment to addressing Tehran’s multifaceted destabilizing activities. It reflects a strategic effort to counter the regime’s human rights violations, sponsorship of terrorism, nuclear ambitions, and development of ballistic missiles and drones.
Of particular note are the provisions within the aid package that directly challenge the Iranian regime’s authoritarian practices and support for terrorism. The ‘Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum Act,’ also known as the ‘SHIP Act,’ aims to diminish the Iranian regime’s revenue derived from oil exports, which are known to fund terrorist activities across the region.
U.S. House of Representatives Passes Comprehensive Bills Targeting Iran’s Regime https://t.co/WGrfDX6YWR
If the H.R.8038 – 21st Century Peace through Strength Act and its six amendments targeting the Iranian regime – are ratified by the Senate and signed into law by the…— NCRI-U.S. Rep Office (@NCRIUS) April 21, 2024
Furthermore, the ‘Fight and Combat Rampant Iranian Missile Exports Act,’ or the ‘Fight CRIME Act,’ seeks to impede Tehran’s efforts to develop and proliferate ballistic missiles and drones, which pose significant security threats to regional stability.
The ‘Mahsa Amini Human Rights and Security Accountability Act,’ also referred to as the ‘MAHSA Act,’ takes a decisive stance against human rights abuses perpetrated by Iranian officials. Notably, it sanctions individuals such as Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the regime’s president Ebrahim Raisi for their involvement in rights violations and support for terrorism.
Moreover, the ‘No Technology for Terror Act‘ ensures the continuation of existing export control restrictions on the transfer of American-made technology to the Iranian regime, particularly technology utilized in the construction of drones and missiles.
The foreign aid bill, which includes six bills that directly oppose the Iranian regime, was just passed in the Senate (79-18) after it passed the House last week and is now sent to the President to be signed into law.
These provisions call for stringent sanctions and other… pic.twitter.com/wDakBBWXRy— Alireza Jafarzadeh (@A_Jafarzadeh) April 24, 2024
Additionally, the ‘Holding Iranian Leaders Accountable Act‘ aims to enhance transparency regarding the financial activities of Iranian regime leaders, further isolating them from the international financial system.
The “Iran-China Energy Sanctions Act of 2023” penalizes foreign financial institutions involved in substantial transactions with Iran’s energy sector, thereby contributing to the economic isolation of the regime.
U.S. Senate PASSES foreign aid package, 79-18.
Goes now to the president. pic.twitter.com/2idYrn6Itt
— CSPAN (@cspan) April 24, 2024
The enactment of this legislation, followed by its signing by US President Joe Biden, will mark a substantial advancement in reshaping U.S. policy towards Iran. It will also serve as a clear demonstration of the international community’s determination to hold the Iranian regime accountable for its actions.