Washington: Concerned over Iran`s
nuclear programme, more than 360 Congressman and 70 Senators
have asked US President Barack Obama to impose "crippling
sanctions" on Tehran and make it as his top priority.
"Iran`s steady progress in its nuclear programme
represents a severe threat to American national interests and
an existential threat to our cherished ally Israel," said
Congressman Mike Pence after signing the letter.
With more than 360 Members of the House of
Representatives signed onto this letter, it is clear that the
will of the People`s House is to move forward decisively, he
said.
"Iran`s nuclear weapons program represents a severe
threat to American national interests... It has now stored
enough low enriched uranium to serve as the core for two
nuclear weapons," the letter states.
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and Minority Whip
Eric Cantor, as well as Congressmen Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and
Dan Burton are among prominent signatories to the letter.
"Mr. President, you have stated this issue is a
priority for your administration. You have attempted to engage
the Iranian regime for over a year. You have gone to the
United Nations Security Council in an effort to impose tough
new sanctions on Iran. But time is not on our side," the
letter says.
Congressman Pence said Iran`s acquisition of nuclear
weapons could lead to the proliferation of these weapons
throughout the Middle East and beyond, destabilizing the
global non-proliferation regime and greatly increasing the
likelihood of such weapons falling into the hands of
terrorists.
"A nuclear-armed Tehran would assert greater influence
over the region and amplify its interference in the domestic
affairs of its neighbors, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan
where our troops have made significant steps towards victory,"
he said.
In the Senate, a similar letter circulated by Senators
Charles Schumer and Lindsey Graham has gathered 76 signatures.
"Preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons
remains a diplomatic imperative," the letter states.
"But time is not on the side of those who seek to
prevent a nuclear Iran.
"... We urge you to move quickly to implement your
existing authority on Iran and the legislation we send you,
and to galvanize the international community to take
immediate, substantive steps. Now is the time for action
focused on preventing a nuclear Iran. We look forward to
working with you on this important task," it said.
The US House of Representative in December approved
412-12 a measure enabling Obama to ban foreign firms that
supply Iran with refined petroleum from doing business in the
US.
The Senate passed its own version of sanctions
targeting Iran`s energy sector by voice vote on January 28
this year.
PTI
