19 Republican Senators Urge Biden: Implement Oil Sanctions Against the Islamic Republic and Freeze Six Billion Dollars

On Friday, November 17, 19 Republican senators sent a letter to President Joe Biden, calling for the full implementation of oil sanctions against the Islamic Republic and the 'immediate' and 'permanent' freezing of six billion dollars of Iranian funds in Qatar. During a prisoner exchange between the U.S. government and the Islamic Republic, the Biden administration agreed to release six billion dollars of Iran's blocked funds in South Korea and transfer it to Qatar. According to these senators, the released six billion dollars will be spent on the Islamic Republic's 'evil objectives' in the region and the world instead of benefiting the Iranian people. The Republican senators stated in their letter that the Islamic Republic has long evaded the consequences of 'financing extremist terrorism.' They further addressed Joe Biden, saying, 'In order to prevent further atrocities and fulfill our promise of unwavering support for our most important ally in the Middle East [Israel], we urge your administration to take the necessary measures to cut off the financial pathways available to Iran, especially by suppressing oil exports.' According to these 19 Republican senators, 'the world is now witnessing the direct result of allowing the growth of Iran's oil revenues and releasing billions of dollars in its foreign bank accounts.' They further emphasized that Congress must ensure that sanctions are not just on paper but are fully enforced. Among the Republican senators who signed this letter are Bill Cassidy, Jerry Moran, John Barrasso, Joni Ernst, Rick Scott, and Thom Tillis.