Washington: The US Senate Banking Committee has approved a sweeping package of economic sanctions aimed at Iran, one of many efforts by lawmakers to compel Tehran to freeze its suspect nuclear programme.
The panel, led by Democratic Senator Christopher Dodd, voted 23-0 to pass the legislation on, which notably targets firms that help the Islamic Republic obtain refined petroleum products like gasoline.
The vote came as the US State Department said Washington awaited a "formal response" from Tehran to a UN-brokered plan on nuclear cooperation with major powers.
"We must send a clear signal to Iran`s leaders that, if they continue to defy the will of the international community, our nation is prepared to confront them on that," Dodd said in a statement.
Oil-rich Iran, which denies the West`s charges that it seeks to develop nuclear weapons, lacks refining capability and relies on imports to satisfy 40 percent of its thirst for gasoline.
US lawmakers, including President Barack Obama`s Democratic allies, have shown a growing willingness to seek sanctions against Iran even as they watch for the results of nuclear talks between Tehran and world powers.
Bureau Report
