Congressman Sander Levin

Containing the Threat of Iran

One of the most significant threats to our national security is the prospect of Iran obtaining nuclear weapons. A nuclear Iran would rattle an already unstable Middle East and pose direct danger to the safety of Israel, our most important ally in the region. This threat is made more real by the recent revelation that the country is operating a secret uranium enrichment site, in clear violation of international law.

To help address this urgent threat, I have co-sponsored two bills in the 111th Congress that target any financial backing to Iran’s energy sector. The first bill, the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act [H.R. 2194], would impose sanctions on any person or business who assists Iran’s efforts to acquire refined petroleum. Such actions could include financial investments, shipping petroleum, or providing machinery to undertake enrichment efforts. The second bill, the Iran Sanctions Enabling Act [H.R. 1327], would help state and local governments divest from Iran’s energy sector.

But while these sanctions are important, they will be most effective if our allies and trading partners join us in putting pressure on Iran. We need a multi-lateral approach to counter-proliferation in general, and to Iran in particular.

No one should be under any illusions that negotiations with the Iranian government would be easy. In addition to its dangerous efforts to develop nuclear weapons, Iran is clearly helping arm and train Shiite militias in Iraq. At the same time, the threats and posturing that were unsuccessful under the Bush Administration will not get Iran to back down.

Dialogue and diplomacy are not just for talking with our friends around the world, but for dealing with potential adversaries as well. We should build upon sanctions to pursue a multi-lateral, negotiated solution to this critical threat.

(Updated October 8, 2009)