Sanctions

Senate Joins House in Approving Extension of Iran Sanctions

The Senate unanimously approved legislation Thursday reauthorizing sanctions against Iran for the next decade, heightening tensions between the two countries less than two months before a new administration promising an even tougher approach takes office.

In a 99-0 vote, the Senate approved a bill that would extend sanctions against Iran’s ballistic missile development and weapons programs not covered by last year’s landmark nuclear agreement. The measures were set to expire at year’s end. Iran’s government has warned that passing of the sanctions bill would be viewed as a violation of the nuclear agreement and that they would respond.