Updated on
Summary
The US House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved sanctions legislation aimed at forcing Iran to freeze its nuclear programme by depriving the Islamic republic of gasoline. The measure would empower US President Barack Obama to effectively block firms that supply Iran with refined petroleum products, or the ability to import or produce them at home, from doing business in the United States.The House passed the bill, which has yet to clear the Senate, by a 412-12 margin with four voting present. It also proposes sanctions on companies that help Iran import gasoline, including companies that fund the shipments, shipping firms, or their underwriters. And it calls for sanctions on individuals or entities that invest at least 20 million dollars in Iran's energy sector, toughening a 1996 sanctions law.
