Lawmaker Renews Call to Boost Enforcement of Iran Oil Sanctions

An Iran-backed militia’s rocket attack that injured U.S. troops in Iraq this week underscores the need for the Biden administration to increase enforcement of Iran oil sanctions to reduce Tehran’s funding for terrorism, Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., said in a statement Aug. 5.

The House Republican conference chair said the administration’s “policy of appeasement towards Iran” has allowed Iranian oil exports to "skyrocket" and enabled Tehran’s terrorist proxies to conduct nearly 200 attacks against U.S. forces.

The lawmaker’s comments came less two months after 41 House members, including Stefanik, urged the administration in a letter to “expeditiously implement” and “fully utilize” newly enacted authorities for sanctioning Iranian oil (see 2406200008).

In her statement, Stefanik also criticized the administration’s decision to give Iran access to $16 billion through sanctions waivers. Administration officials have said those funds will only be used for humanitarian purposes (see 2312140056). Stefanik also objected to the expiration of UN sanctions on Iranian missile-related activities last year (see 2310180071).