Senate OKS new Iran sanctions in defense bill

WASHINGTON — The Senate resoundingly approved Friday expanded sanctions on global trade with Iran’s energy and shipping sectors, the latest effort to ratchet up economic pressure on Tehran over its nuclear program.

The new package, which keeps in place exemptions for countries that have made significant cuts to their purchases of Iranian crude oil, would be the third round of sanctions in a year if passed.

The existing sanctions have already hurt Iran’s economy, but it is uncertain whether the additional measures will stop or slow Iran’s nuclear program.

Washington says Tehran is enriching uranium to levels that could be used in nuclear weapons. Iran says the program is for peaceful purposes.

Senators voted 94-0 to make the sanctions part of a defense policy bill.

“We must be clear to the Iranians that toughing it out and waiting it out is not an option, that it will only get worse,” said Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J.

Themeasures would also restrict trade with Iran in precious metals, graphite, raw or semi-finished metals, such as aluminum and steel, metallurgical coal and certain software. The Obama administration has not publicly commented on the proposals, but has privately raised concerns that it does not provide enough “waiver flexibility,” said Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Levin said those concerns may be addressed when the Senate and House negotiators work out differences to finalize the massive defense bill.