Washington, March 17 (NationPress) The US House of Representatives has enacted comprehensive legislation aimed at strengthening sanctions against Iran's energy sector, as legislators from both sides of the aisle advocated for more robust measures in light of escalating tensions with Tehran.

The piece of legislation, known as the Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act, was approved by a voice vote in the House, demonstrating significant bipartisan consensus for increasing pressure on Iran's oil trade and its international network of operatives.

“This essential legislation is designed to fortify the US sanctions framework targeting foreign entities that facilitate Iran's illicit oil dealings,” remarked Congressman Mike Lawler in a statement following the vote.

The bill garnered support from 295 co-sponsors, including 171 Republicans and 124 Democrats.

It empowers the president to impose sanctions on foreign entities involved in “any significant transaction related or incidental to the processing, refining, export, transfer, or sale of oil, condensates, or other petroleum or petrochemical products in whole or in part from Iran.”

Lawler positioned the bill as part of a broader initiative to restrict Iran's regional actions and financial networks. “The United States will not permit the Iranian regime to bypass sanctions and fund terrorism through illegal oil sales,” he emphasized.

“For far too long, Iran has depended on a network of foreign banks, insurers, and logistics providers to facilitate the movement of sanctioned oil. This legislation targets that entire system and ensures that those financing the largest state sponsor of terrorism face genuine repercussions.”

During a speech on the House floor, Lawler indicated that the bill would enable the administration to exert “maximum pressure” on Iran. He noted that it would facilitate sanctions on “enablers of Iran's illicit oil trading that have funded their proxies, missile programs, nuclear ambitions, and uranium enrichment efforts.”

The legislation specifically focuses on a multitude of entities engaged in the oil supply chain. “This encompasses virtually any company involved in transactions related to the processing, refining, export, or transfer of Iranian oil. This includes foreign banks, financial institutions, insurance companies, flagging registries, and more,” Lawler stated.

Sanctions under this bill could involve blocking property transactions within the United States and denying visas to individuals associated with such activities.

However, the final version includes a significant amendment. It grants the president discretion regarding the imposition of sanctions, altering earlier language that would have mandated such actions. Congressman George Latimer called this amendment “unfortunate” and mentioned it was made at the administration’s request.

The bill is now headed to the Senate, where related legislation has been introduced but has yet to be addressed by the Foreign Relations Committee.

The text of the bill states that its purpose is “to impose sanctions on individuals engaged in logistical transactions and sanctions evasion concerning oil, gas, liquefied natural gas, and associated petrochemical products from the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

It also delineates provisions for property blocking, visa restrictions, and the establishment of an interagency working group to enhance enforcement.