Seeking to halt aerial development, U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AK), echoed by U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) in the House, introduced the No ICBMS or Drones for Iran Act last week, brandishing the legislative threat of additional sanctions for the long-time American adversary.
The bill was prompted by the expiration of United Nations sanctions on Iran’s missile development on Oct. 18, 2023. Cotton charged the Biden administration with having unilaterally failed to renew those international sanctions, while also failing to stop attacks on American troops by Iranian proxies, although the United States has increased its presence in the region and defensive efforts following the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel and its subsequent invasion and siege of the Gaza Strip.
“This legislation will strengthen necessary sanctions on Iran to better protect America and our allies from their current drone attacks and future missile attacks,” Cotton said.
The bill would slap sanctions on Iranian development of space-launch vehicles, intercontinental ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial systems, among others. It would also require reports on Iran’s development, including notifications to Congress after any missile or space launch vehicle tests are discovered, and a frank assessment of both the steps Iran would need to take to acquire ICBMs and the U.S. defense system’s capabilities to halt them.
Space launch vehicles and drones would be included in any expanded sanctions.
“Iran is advancing their pursuit of intercontinental ballistic missiles, arming Hamas and Russia to the teeth with kamikaze drones, and providing its terrorist proxies with weapons that are being used to strike American forces in the Middle East,” Stefanik said. “This must stop. I am proud to join Senator Cotton in leading the No ICBMs or Drones for Iran Act to strengthen sanctions on Iran’s missile and drone programs. Iran’s backing of Hamas and their continuous strikes on U.S. forces make it clear that our current sanctions are not working.”
People and organizations alike would be sanctioned under the new legislation.