US Congress Wants Full Embargo against Iran

The U.S. Congress is asking for a full trade embargo against Iran. On Wednesday the Senate also expressed support for an Israeli attack on Iran out of self-defense.

The Senate voted 99 to 0 in favor of a resolution that urges President Barack Obama to impose the existing economic sanctions at full force and offer Israel “diplomatic, military and economic support … in its defense of its territory, people and existence.” The U.S. needs to support Israel, as stated in the resolution, in case the country “is compelled to take military action in legitimate self-defense against Iran’s nuclear weapons program.”

Black List

At the same time, the House Committee on Foreign Affairs unanimously approved new sanctions that would put countries on a black list, if they do not succeed in ending oil imports from Iran within 180 days. Such a list already exists for countries that do business with the Iranian financial sector, and it would be extended to the automobile and mining industries.

The most controversial aspect of the new proposal — not yet approved in the plenary session — is the elimination of the option for the president to dilute sanctions in the national interest. The government has used this option — routinely added to existing sanction legislation — to spare countries that have important historical trade relations with Tehran and to convince them to cooperate and apply pressure on Iran.

The ability to exercise this option is also regarded as crucial in the talks between Iran and the P5+1, comprised of the U.S., U.K., China, France, Russia and Germany.

Full Embargo

Meanwhile, Republican senators have already proposed a new initiative that goes even further. They want a black list for all companies that do business with Iran and seek to deprive the president of all leeway in diluting the sanctions. The proposition has not yet found support among Democrats.

The initiatives can count on the approval of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the powerful Jewish lobby group in Washington.

“The passage of this resolution is an extremely significant and timely state of solidarity with Israel and a restatement of America’s determination to thwart Iran’s nuclear quest – which endangers America, Israeli, and international security,” according to the group.

However, not everyone is convinced that the initiatives in Congress will force Iran to concessions. Many observers fear that they will lead to a dangerous escalation of tensions instead.

“Congress should abstain from any more reckless threats or sanctions that push us closer to the brink of war with Iran,” says Jamal Abdi of the National Iranian American Council.

“Attacking the president’s waiver authority is a cynical attempt to weaken his hand at the negotiating table and sabotage diplomatic efforts,” he says.

“If the president can’t lift sanctions in exchange for concessions, the Iranians will have little incentive to cooperate.”