| Published April 4, 2025
Washington, D.C. — In a bold and sweeping move to counter what they call the “world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism,” Congressional Republicans are rolling out a 10-bill sanctions package aimed squarely at Iran’s economy, military apparatus, and its top religious and political leadership — including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei himself.
The legislative effort, spearheaded by Republican leaders in both the House and Senate, marks one of the most aggressive policy pushes against Tehran in years, signaling a dramatic escalation of pressure following Iran’s continued support for terror groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthi rebels.
The sanctions package — described by sponsors as a “comprehensive economic and diplomatic offensive” — aims to choke off Iran’s access to global financial systems, target its weapons production, and hold its top clerics personally accountable for regional chaos and anti-American operations.
“Time to Cut the Head Off the Snake”
Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East, didn’t mince words.
“Iran is responsible for funding and fueling the terrorism we’ve seen erupt from Gaza to Yemen. Their Supreme Leader is not a spiritual figure — he’s a warlord. And it’s time we treat him like one.”
The proposed bills will seek to:
-
Freeze assets and impose travel bans on Supreme Leader Khamenei and President Ebrahim Raisi.
-
Expand sanctions on Iran’s Central Bank and oil exports, its primary sources of revenue.
-
Crack down on shell companies and front groups operating in Europe, Asia, and Latin America that move money on behalf of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
-
Ban any future nuclear cooperation or diplomacy with Iran unless it fully dismantles its weapons program.
One bill, introduced by Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), would impose secondary sanctions on any foreign entity — including Chinese firms — that does business with Iran’s oil sector or defense contractors.
“We’re done playing games,” McCaul said. “Iran needs to be isolated until it stops funding terror and threatening our allies.”
A Response to Escalating Attacks
The legislation follows a string of provocations in the Middle East tied directly to Iran or its proxies. From Hamas’ October 7 massacre in Israel, to drone strikes on U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria, and Houthi attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea, Republican lawmakers argue that Iran is at the center of it all.
Despite these escalations, the Biden administration has been criticized for what Republicans call a “toothless” approach — including the recent unfreezing of billions in Iranian assets, which critics say indirectly funded the latest terror operations.
“Every dollar Biden has released to Iran has been turned into a bullet, a bomb, or a rocket,” said Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR). “Enough is enough.”
Biden Administration on the Defensive
The White House has defended its policy as measured and pragmatic, aimed at avoiding open conflict while pushing for nuclear non-proliferation through diplomatic channels. But recent polling shows declining public support for the administration’s Iran strategy, especially in light of continued instability in the region.
A State Department official, speaking anonymously, warned that unilateral congressional action could “complicate” efforts to restart nuclear talks and alienate allies in Europe.
But Republicans say that’s exactly the point.
“Diplomacy has failed,” said Rep. Wilson. “We need deterrence. We need strength. And we need to remind Iran that the free world won’t tolerate its reign of terror.”
The Road Ahead
With Republicans holding the House and a growing number of moderate Democrats concerned about Iran’s behavior, several of the bills may pass with bipartisan support. The Senate remains the key battleground, where razor-thin margins and the 2024 election aftermath will shape the political calculus.
If passed, the sanctions package would represent one of the most comprehensive economic attacks on a hostile regime since the Cold War — and could potentially trigger retaliation from Tehran, both diplomatically and through its global terror proxies.
Still, for many on Capitol Hill, the risk is worth it.
“This isn’t about politics,” said Rep. Wilson. “This is about preventing the next 9/11. And it starts by going after the regime that enables it.”
Be the first to comment