WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement following the Senate’s passage of legislation placing new sanctions on Iran and Russia.  The vote in the Senate was 98-2.

The Senate legislation initially only contained sanctions on Iran, but overwhelmingly added a provision sponsored by Graham, which also sanctions the Russian regime of Vladimir Putin. (Background: Graham: Russia Sanctions Deliver Clear Message To Putin)

“Since signing the nuclear agreement, Iranian behavior has not gotten better – it’s actually gotten worse.

“Iran is still the largest state sponsor of terrorism in the world. They are supporting groups that have toppled pro-Western governments throughout the Middle East. They have humiliated and unlawfully imprisoned American sailors on the high seas. And they continuously and flagrantly violate U.N. restrictions on their missile program.

“These new sanctions will be a strong statement by the Congress and the Trump Administration – that business as usual with Iran is over.

“I’m extremely pleased by the overwhelming bipartisan support to impose new sanctions on Iran for their destructive behavior throughout the Middle East.” 

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