NEW YORK, Dec. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Jewish Committee applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for passing a tough new bill targeting Iran's petroleum sector. The bipartisan Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act (H.R. 2194) won overwhelming support, with 412 votes in favor and 12 against.

"Iran is pursuing its nuclear ambitions while treating the international community's attempts to negotiate with utter contempt," said AJC Executive Director David Harris. "Targeting strategic sectors of its economy, and particularly its vulnerable energy sector, sends the signal that the United States is serious about curbing the grave threat which Iran's nuclear program represents."

"It is important that the United States should not stand alone," Harris said. "Other countries, as well as the United Nations Security Council, should now follow the U.S. lead."

Under the terms of the bill, the president is authorized to sanction any person or entity that sells gasoline and other refined petroleum products to Iran. Companies that enable such trade, for example by providing shipping services, would also be sanctioned.

Despite possessing huge oil reserves, Iran is a net importer of petroleum, due to its lack of refining capacity and the severe economic mismanagement of its ruling regime. The growing economic and energy crisis in the country has not prevented Iran's rulers from accelerating their nuclear program.

AJC has long advocated pressure on Iran's petroleum sector as an appropriate response to its refusal to abide by successive UN Security Council Resolutions and end uranium enrichment.

SOURCE American Jewish Committee

RELATED LINKS
http://www.ajc.org