John Kerry Opposes New Sanctions Against Iran

On Wednesday, March 5, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry opposed the imposition of new sanctions against Iran during a Senate committee meeting. According to the Associated Press, Kerry emphasized that he prefers to wait and see how Tehran implements the nuclear agreement before making any decisions regarding new sanctions. U.S. lawmakers are preparing a proposal for new sanctions against Iran due to missile tests and human rights violations. The report adds that the detention of American sailors last month by the Revolutionary Guards is one reason why Republicans in Congress are pushing harder for increased sanctions against Iran. Lindsey Graham, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is among the Republican senators advocating for tougher sanctions against Iran. Meanwhile, reports indicate that Graham asked Kerry on Wednesday whether he would welcome the new congressional proposal for sanctions against Iran due to missile tests. Kerry responded that he does not currently welcome such action because they (Iran) have already been warned that if they decide to conduct another missile test, then such an action would be based on a rule. Kerry referred to the sanctions imposed by the U.S. Treasury Department last month just hours after the implementation of the JCPOA and the lifting of international sanctions related to Iran's nuclear program, which placed 11 individuals and entities on the sanctions list in connection with Tehran's missile program. The new U.S. sanctions were a reaction to the test of the 'Emad' missile by the Revolutionary Guards last October, which drew condemnation from Washington. The UN committee overseeing sanctions on Iran also deemed Iran's missile test a violation of Security Council resolutions. Republican representatives have sought to review and potentially revoke the nuclear agreement since the deal was reached between Iran and six world powers on July 14 in Vienna to resolve the Islamic Republic's nuclear dispute. Under this agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Iran's nuclear program is limited, and in return, most international sanctions against Tehran will be lifted.