Republican Senators Urge Biden Not to Provide Iran Sanctions Relief Amid Israel-Palestine Conflict
More than 40 Republican lawmakers urged President Joe Biden to refrain from providing sanctions relief to Iran, saying that nation is supporting “terrorist activity” against Israel. The senators -- including Jim Risch of Idaho, the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee -- said Iran is supporting “Palestinian terrorists” in Gaza and has encouraged the group to attack Israel amid the ongoing conflict between the two sides.
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“The United States engaging in active negotiations with Iran and potentially providing billions of dollars in sanctions relief will no doubt contribute to Iran’s support of Hamas and other terrorist organizations who attack Americans and our allies,” the lawmakers said in a May 12 letter. “We call on you to immediately end negotiations with Iran, and make clear that sanctions relief will not be provided. Doing so would demonstrate a firm commitment to our closest ally in the region and to our own security interests.”
U.S. officials recently said they are making progress in talks with Iran about rejoining the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which would lift some sanctions against the country (see 2105060044). White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters March 13 that the U.S. is communicating with Israeli and Palestinian leaders and is focused on “reducing violence and achieving stability.”