House Of Representatives Passes Sanctions Against Iran

The AP reports that the "House of Representatives voted Tuesday to impose new economic sanctions against Iran as lawmakers expressed doubt about the Islamic Republic's willingness to respond to diplomatic efforts to curtail its purported nuclear arms program. The legislation, approved 412-12, would end access to US markets for foreign companies that sell refined petroleum products to Iran or help that country develop its petroleum capacity. While Iran is a major crude oil producer, its lack of ability to produce enough gasoline and other refined petroleum products is a major economic vulnerability. With no Senate action on the legislation expected this year, the House vote was for the time being primarily a warning that the United States is ready to act on its own if the Teheran government does not respond to current international efforts to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear power. The bill drew opposition from lawmakers who said it would mainly cause hardship among poor and middle-class Iranians." Tweet