US lawmakers demand ‘maximum sanctions’ on Iran for alleged Hamas funding
More than 100 Republicans and Democrats in the US Congress have written to President Joe Biden asking him to ‘boost Israel’s security, hold Iran accountable for its role in funding Hamas, impose maximum sanctions on Iran, end Iran’s oil trade to China, and put pressure on nations who support Hamas, including Qatar and Türkiye.’
Although Iran admits to political support for Hamas, it denies funding the group. US officials have said they have no evidence that Tehran was behind the 7 October Hamas attacks in Israel.
The 16 October letter to Biden, signed by 63 Democrats and 50 Republicans, says: ‘Iran must be held fully accountable for its continued role in funding Hamas and Islamic terror. We urge the Administration to take all necessary steps to cut off Iranian funding sources. This includes maximum enforcement of all U.S. sanctions, and taking any and all steps to end Iran’s oil trade to China, which currently brings in $150 million per day in revenue.’
The lawmakers, led by New Jersey’s Josh Gottheimer, Don Bacon of Nevada, Florida’s Jared Moskowitz, and Claudia Tenney of New York, call for snapback sanctions on Iran at the US Security Council, referring to the UN sanctions on missile technology to Iran that expired on 18 October.
The letter adds: ‘The United States must also put significant pressure on Qatar and Türkiye to cease their support for Hamas and expel Hamas leadership that they host. Ismail Haniyeh, the leader behind Hamas’ deadliest-ever attack on Israel, sits comfortably in Qatar, a U.S. strategic partner in CENTCOM’s Area of Responsibility. The country’s links to Hamas and recent statement blaming Israel for the ongoing war are simply unacceptable. Türkiye, a NATO ally, also continues to house Hamas leadership and provide both diplomatic and financial support to the organization. Both Qatar and Türkiye should cease all ties with Hamas, and continue to work with the United States to stabilize the region.’
