Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), and 16 Senate colleagues have called on President Biden to enforce oil sanctions on Iran as mandated by Congress. The senators have also urged the administration to permanently freeze the $6 billion funding mechanism established in September’s hostage agreement with Iran.

In a letter addressed to President Biden, the senators expressed their concern over Iran's complacency in funding radical terror. They stated, "For far too long, Iran has evaded consequence for its complacency in funding radical terror. To prevent further atrocities and to fulfill our promise of providing unwavering support to our most important ally in the Middle East, we urge your administration to take the necessary means in severing financial avenues available to Iran, specifically cracking down on oil exports."

The senators emphasized the need for immediate action to permanently freeze the funding mechanism established in September's hostage deal with Iran. They argued that blocking Iran's access to the $6 billion would hinder the regime's ability to support terrorism and destruction. The senators also demanded the full enforcement of U.S. oil sanctions and the interdiction of Iranian oil exports.

Highlighting the significant increase in Iran's oil exports, the senators referred to a September 2023 report from Bloomberg, which indicated a relaxation of enforcement on Iranian oil sales. They expressed their concern over any relaxation of Congressionally-mandated sanctions against Iran, especially while funding flows to terror organizations.

The senators concluded, "The world is now seeing the direct result of allowing Iran's oil revenues to grow and unfreezing billions of dollars in its extraterritorial bank accounts. Congress has a responsibility to ensure sanctions are not only on the books but enforced to their fullest extent." They emphasized the importance of prioritizing the enforcement of economic sanctions and restricting Iranian oil revenue, particularly as Israel endures devastation.

The senators who signed the letter include John Barrasso (R-WY), Mike Braun (R-IN), Ted Budd (R-NC), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Steve Daines (R-MT), Joni Ernst (R-IA), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), James Lankford (R-OK), Roger Marshall (R-KS), John Kennedy (R-LA), Rick Scott (R-FL), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Roger Wicker (R-MS).

The senators' letter highlights the urgent need for the Biden administration to take action in enforcing the Congressionally-mandated sanctions on Iran, particularly in cracking down on oil exports. The senators emphasize the importance of severing financial avenues available to Iran and preventing further funding of radical terror. With Israel enduring devastation, the senators stress the need to prioritize the enforcement of economic sanctions and restrict Iranian oil revenue to ensure the safety and security of the region.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-moran-hagerty-colleagues-demand-biden-administration-enforce-congressionally-mandated-sanctions-on-iran/