By Herb Brandon
Israel News Agency
Washington — December 2, 2016 … The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) states that it applauds the U.S. Senate for unanimously passing the Iran Sanctions Extension Act today.
The House previously adopted this critical measure on November 15.
AIPAC says that when enacted into law: “it would preserve the basic architecture of U.S. sanctions on Iran’s dangerous nuclear program and other problematic activities, including support of terrorism, illegal arms trade and illicit ballistic missile program.”
First passed by Congress in 1996, the Iran Sanctions Act (ISA) is set to expire on December 31 unless this extension becomes law. Congress’ decisive action signals American determination to enforce the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with Iran and re-impose currently waived sanctions if Iran violates the deal.
“Unfortunately, Tehran has only stepped up its malign behavior since the JCPOA was implemented in January,” AIPAC said in a statement released online.
“Iran has harassed American military forces, procured prohibited technology, tested nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, and stoked regional conflicts. The United States must push back against Iran’s behavior, and respond to violations of the JCPOA, U.S. law or United Nations Security Council resolutions with certain, swift and severe penalties.”