Security Council Approves New Iran Sanctions

Congress Set to Advance Additional Sanctions Targeting Iran's Energy Sector

Washington, D.C. (June 9, 2010) – The Foundation for Defense of Democracies today applauded the Obama Administration for securing a UN Security Council resolution for a new round of sanctions targeting the Iranian regime's nuclear program. The measure, which passed by a vote of 12 to 2 with 1 abstention, opens the door for the United States, its European allies, Canada and other countries to enact more stringent sanctions against the regime.

“The Obama Administration deserves credit for working closely with the Security Council to enact a sanctions resolution condemning the Iranian regime's unlawful pursuit of nuclear weapons,” said FDD Executive Director Mark Dubowitz. “Unfortunately, time is not on our side. This sanctions vote will only be a victory if it enables the U.S., Europe, Canada and other nations to exert crippling pressure on Iran's nuclear program, human rights abuses, and support for terrorism. These sanctions should be put in place on behalf of the Iranian people, who only a year ago endured brutal reprisals for peacefully demonstrating their democratic aspirations.”

“To be effective, these sanctions must target Iran's energy sector – the lifeblood of the men who rule Iran,” said Dubowitz. “Congress is poised to enact tough new legislation exploiting Iran's dependence on imported gasoline and restricting foreign support for the Iranian energy industry. The Obama Administration must work with Congress to implement and enforce this legislation and encourage our allies to do the same.”

FDD provides leading research and analysis in support of strong, broad-based energy sanctions, including gasoline, natural gas, and oil sanctions, as part of a comprehensive strategy to end the Iranian regime's abuse of human rights, support for terrorism, and pursuit of nuclear weapons. For more information, please visit FDD's Iran Energy Project website, IranEnergyProject.org, or contact Judy Mayka at [email protected].

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