US Lawmakers Introduce Bill To Target Iranian Oil Exports

Teo members of US House of Representatives have introduced legislation to target those who help the Iranian regime avoid US sanctions.

"Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum Act" (SHIP Act) introduced by Reps. Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) requires the president to impose sanctions on foreigners assisting Iran's oil exports.

The export of Iranian oil has steadily increased since late 2020, after President Joe Biden won the election and announced his readiness to negotiate with Tehran to revive the JCPOA nuclear deal.

The oil sales provide the regime with a significant source of revenue, funding activities such as terrorism and the development of nuclear and ballistic weapons.

“The SHIP Act is an important step in preventing Iran from using that partnership, especially in maritime trading with China, to benefit themselves financially,” Lawler said. “The SHIP Act will unequivocally sink Iran’s aspirations of regional dominance and poke holes in their trade relationships.”

The new legislation will target operators of ports that accept sanctioned vessels; anyone who offloads, transports, transfers or sells Iranian petroleum products; and refinery owners who process Iranian petroleum products.

“Adult family members and anyone who engages in a significant transaction with or provides material support for sanctioned individuals would also be subject to sanctions,” added a report by Jewish Insider.

Property freezes and visa bans will be included in the sanctions that would remain in effect until Iran ceased supporting terrorism and its nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons programs.

“This legislation will impose additional sanctions and deny Iran the ability to destabilize activities across the region, fund terrorist groups, violate human rights, and commit acts of oppression,” Moscowitz said in a statement.