US Senate Approves Tougher Sanctions Against Iran

The U.S. Senate has unanimously approved a bill that provides for new sanctions against the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, and obliges all companies whose shares are traded in the U.S., to notify the Securities Commission of any transactions with Iran.

Also, the sanctions will affect any joint projects with Iran in the energy sector. The bill provides for visa sanctions against individuals and employees of companies that supply Iran with products used in dispersing demonstrations, such as tear gas and rubber bullets.

The U.S. and other countries accuse Iran of developing nuclear weapons. Tehran denies the charges, insisting its nuclear program is aimed at meeting the country’s electricity needs.