U.S. House of Representatives Approves Bill to Intensify Sanctions on Iranian Oil

On Friday, November 3, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill to intensify sanctions against the oil of the Islamic Republic of Iran with 342 votes in favor and only 69 against. The bill, known as "Stop Sheltering Iranian Oil," imposes sanctions on foreign ports and refineries that process oil exported from Iran in violation of U.S. sanctions. Following the "terrorist" attack by Hamas militants on Israel on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,400 people, American lawmakers have been discussing several proposals to pressure the Islamic Republic of Iran. Despite the Islamic Republic's broad support for Hamas, the Iranian government has denied any involvement in the October 7 attack. Republican lawmaker Mike Lawler and Democratic lawmaker Jared Moskowitz issued a joint statement declaring that the bill sends a "clear and strong message to actors like China, Russia, and others that you should not assist [the Islamic Republic of] Iran in circumventing sanctions and financing terrorism; otherwise, you will face consequences." For the bill to become law, it must be approved by the Senate and signed by the President of the United States. Currently, a companion bill in the Senate has the support of Republican Senators Marco Rubio and John Kennedy, as well as Democratic Senators Maggie Hassan and Jacky Rosen. It is unclear how effective this bill will be even if it becomes law. While the U.S. Congress can pass sanctions-related bills, such actions are often accompanied by national security exemptions that allow the U.S. President to exercise discretion in enforcing the law. According to Reuters, China may continue to import oil from Iran despite the new sanctions. Iran's oil exports are increasing despite extensive U.S. sanctions. Data from two firms, "World Energy Facts" (FGE) and "Vortexa," indicated that Iran's daily oil exports exceeded 1.5 million barrels in September, the highest figure in four years, with 80% of that exported to China. The U.S. has set a reward for information about the hacking group "ImenNet Pasargad," sanctioned several individuals and entities linked to Hamas and members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and called for the passage of a resolution supporting Israel and condemning the Islamic Republic. The U.S. has sanctioned 20 individuals and entities linked to Iran's missile and drone programs, while the UK maintains nuclear and missile sanctions against the Islamic Republic. The U.S. has also sanctioned five companies and two individuals for supplying "sensitive components" for Iranian-made drones.