Three top US senators have begun circulating a draft of a new Iran sanctions bill that violates the terms of an interim agreement reached between Iran and the six world powers, including the United States, in Geneva last month, a report reveals.
Foreign Policy which obtained a copy of the bill reported Thursday that the new sanctions bill, proposed by Robert Menendez of New Jersey, Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), is likely to come to vote after the Senate return on Jan. 6.
The bill broadens the scope of the sanctions already imposed against Iran over Tehranâ„¢s nuclear energy program. It also sets tough conditions for a possible final deal with Iranian nuclear negotiators.
Å“The Senate bill states Obama may not waive sanctions unless the United States and its allies Ëœreached a final and verifiable agreement or arrangement with Iran that will … dismantle Iran’s illicit nuclear infrastructure, including enrichment and reprocessing capabilities and facilities,â„¢” according to Foreign Policy.
Iran insists its right, as a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes must be respected by the P5+1 “ the US, Britain, Russia, China, France and Germany “ negotiating with Tehran.
In his latest comments on the ongoing nuclear talks, Mohammad Javad Zari, Iranian Foreign Minister and top nuclear negotiator, said the negotiations must eventually lead to recognition of Iranâ„¢s right to enrich uranium by world powers and lifting illegal sanctions. He also said that Tehran, in exchange, will try to address all international concerns over its program.
The bill also includes a non-binding provision that states that if Israel takes “military action” against Iran, the US “should stand with Israel and provide, in accordance with the law of the United States and the constitutional responsibility of Congress to authorize the use of military force, diplomatic, military, and economic support” to Israel.
Observers say the new bill is fully in accordance with goals laid out by anti-Iran hawks in Congress and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), the influential lobbying group in Washington.
The Obama administration has repeatedly urged Congress to hold off on any new legislation that could jeopardize last monthâ„¢s landmark deal with Iran after a decade-long standoff.
Asked earlier this month by Time what would happen if a sanctions bill passed Congress, Iran’s Zarif said, “The entire deal is dead.”
ARA/ARA
Source: Press TV