The US House of Representatives passed legislation Wednesday to ramp up economic pressure on Iran over its suspect nuclear program by punishing firms that do business in Iran's energy sector.
The bill, which passed with a four-hundred and fourteen to six vote, permits US states, local governments and pension funds to end investments in firms that have twenty million dollars or more invested in Iran's petroleum or natural gas operations.
The legislation does not directly impose sanctions on Iran, but shields states and local governments from lawsuits if they pull their money out of such businesses.
A similar bill has been crafted in the Senate.
Jenka Soderberg interviewed analyst Gareth Porter about Israel’s role in the US legislation and policy towards Iran.
- KBOO