Congress Representatives Criticize Delay in Imposing New Sanctions Against Iran

Following reports regarding the delay in the implementation of new U.S. sanctions against Iran for its "missile program development," several congressional representatives have criticized the White House for postponing these sanctions. According to the Wall Street Journal, on Friday, January 1, several congressional representatives, including a senator who supports the nuclear agreement with Iran, stated that failing to respond to Tehran's two recent missile tests would undermine the Western countries' ability to implement the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Chris Coons, a Democratic senator and supporter of the nuclear deal with Iran, remarked, "I believe in seriously enforcing the agreement to prevent Iran from exhibiting bad behavior. If we do not do this, we are leaving the door open for Iran to cheat." Senator Coons emphasized that he would support the nuclear agreement with Iran only if the Obama administration seriously enforced it and took significant steps to contain Iran in the Middle East region. Senator Bob Corker, chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, also stated that he contacted U.S. government officials and expressed his "deep concern" over the delay in sanctions. Reports indicate that following the recent missile tests in Iran, the U.S. government had informed congressional representatives on Wednesday that new sanctions would be imposed against individuals and entities related to Iran's missile program. The release of reports regarding new sanctions against Iran prompted reactions from officials in that country. Hassan Rouhani, the President of Iran, in a letter to the country's defense minister, called for the development of a program to "produce various types of missiles" with "greater speed and seriousness." However, subsequent reports indicated that senior officials in the Obama administration had told congressional representatives that these sanctions were postponed due to ongoing negotiations regarding the nuclear agreement. According to the Wall Street Journal, Senator Bob Corker stated that pressures from certain countries (partners) or threats from Iran to withdraw from the nuclear agreement may have led the U.S. government to reconsider the imposition of new sanctions. Mike Pompeo, a representative from Kansas, also criticized the delay in sanctions against Iran on Friday. Meanwhile, a senior U.S. official told the Wall Street Journal on Friday that the White House is evaluating the most appropriate response to Iran's provocative actions, including its recent missile test, and will continue consultations with congressional representatives on this matter.