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5/21/2009

STOP IRAN’S NUCLEAR ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

Support Tough Sanctions Against Iran

Iran is the greatest national security threat to the U.S. and its allies. The Iranian regime is rapidly obtaining the ability to enrich uranium in defiance of the international community. In a worst case scenario, they could have a nuclear weapon as early as next year. We are now at a critical juncture in efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons capability. The U.S. should act with urgency and use all diplomatic, political, and economic steps to persuade Iran to turn away from its dangerous course.

The Iran Petroleum Sanction Act (IRPSA) was newly introduced to Congress with the aim of reinforcing American diplomatic efforts with Iran with the threat of tough sanctions. President Obama has repeatedly expressed interest in using Iran's dependence on gasoline imports as a point of leverage in the dispute over Iran's nuclear ambitions. However, under current law, his authority to do so is ambiguous. IRPSA would end that ambiguity by amending the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996.

Iran imports approximately 40% of its refined petroleum, thus the passage of IRPSA would have a significant economic effect on the Iranian economy. IRPSA prevents companies that sell, ship, or insure refined petroleum deliveries to Iran or that maintain or expand Iran’s indigenous refining capabilities from doing business with the United States. IRPSA would force Tehran to confront a real choice: continue its illicit nuclear program and risk economic ruin or suspend the program and open the door to relief from sanctions.

ACTION:

Please write your Congressmen and urge him to support the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act (S. 908 and H.R. 2194). To send a letter to your Senator and Representative, please click the relevant links below to the AIPAC website:

  • Email Senator Lautenberg
  • Congressional representatives
  • For more information on these resolutions, click here and search for "S. 908" and "H.R. 2194" in the "Bill Number" search engine
  • Click here for AIPAC background information on IRPSA
  • Click here for JCPA background information on IRPSA
  • Click here for information on the CRC’s Stop Iran Campaign

Please thank Senator Menendez, Congressman Sires and Congressman Garrett for co-sponsoring the legislation.