The U.S. House of Representatives Approves Bill to Counter Iran's Missile Exports

On Tuesday, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the bill titled "Countering the Islamic Republic's Missile Exports." According to this bill, the President of the United States is required to sanction foreign individuals and entities involved in the "development of the Islamic Republic's missile and drone programs" and seize their assets. On Tuesday, the House had three resolutions regarding Iran. The first bill targets the production and export of Iranian missiles and drones by sanctioning individuals involved in this process, while the second bill imposes sanctions on high-ranking government officials for "human rights violations and support for terrorism." The third resolution specifically condemns the persecution of the Baha'i minority by the government. The "Countering the Islamic Republic's Missile Exports" bill sanctions adult family members of those involved in the "development of the Islamic Republic's missile and drone industry" as well as individuals who conduct significant transactions with sanctioned entities. The House bill also requires the U.S. State Department to report to Congress on decisions related to further restricting the Islamic Republic's missile activities and analyzing supply chains that aid the Islamic Republic's missile and drone programs. Earlier, on July 25, the House Foreign Affairs Committee reviewed two proposed bills related to Iran's ballistic missile program and the prohibition of lifting sanctions imposed on the Islamic Republic for approval. On Tuesday, the U.S. House of Representatives also passed the "Mahsa Law" with 410 votes in favor and three against. This law will require the government to sanction senior officials of the Islamic Republic, including Ali Khamenei, for "suppressing protests in Iran" and "human rights violations." These resolutions must be approved by the Senate and then signed by President Joe Biden to become law. After the President's signature, Joe Biden will be required to respond to Congress within 90 days regarding this matter and explain annually to Congress representatives the reasons for extending or not extending these sanctions. The Islamic Republic claims to have designed and built a "supersonic cruise missile." Republican Senator Joni Ernst criticized the policy of "appeasement" towards the Islamic Republic, and U.S. senators called for more sanctions on China due to oil transactions with Iran. Congressional Republicans warned that the U.S. military should be prepared to counter drones. Exclusive: The White House stated that "indirect" negotiations with Iran for the release of American prisoners are ongoing. Ukrainian innovators are making efforts to more effectively down Russian "Shahed" drones. Four U.S. departments warned about the dangers of the Islamic Republic's drone activities.