South Iowa News

U.S. Representative Zach Nunn has introduced legislation aimed at imposing strong sanctions on Iran. The bill, known as the Maximum Pressure Act, seeks to limit Iran's ability to fund terror activities in the Middle East. This step comes amid ongoing concerns about Iran's influence and actions in the region.

"For too long, Iran’s regime of terror reigned over the Middle East and targeted American interests with no fear of repercussions from the United States. That ends now," stated Rep. Nunn. He further emphasized the necessity of applying "maximum pressure" to protect American interests and lives.

The Maximum Pressure Act, cosponsored by 37 members of Congress, is presented as a robust response to what proponents see as the previous administration’s failure to adequately enforce sanctions against Iran. According to RSC Chairman Pfluger, the bill aims to eliminate financial loopholes, thus thwarting Iran’s ability to fund terrorism. "The Maximum Pressure Act is the crown jewel of the RSC’s legislative push to stand up to Iran and has been championed by the committee since the 117th Congress," he said.

The legislation follows the October 7, 2023 attack by Iran-backed Hamas on Israel, which resulted in numerous casualties, including American citizens. Additional attacks on U.S. assets in strategic locations like the Gulf of Aden have compounded the urgency for decisive action against Iran.

CUFI Action Fund Chairwoman Sandra Parker remarked on the historical context of the legislation and the prior failures to enforce sanctions: "The devastation wrought by Iran’s proxies was bought and paid for by Iranian monies which accrued as a direct result of the failure to enforce crippling sanctions on the tyrants of Tehran."

President Trump also reaffirmed his administration's maximum pressure strategy with a National Security Presidential Memorandum aimed at countering Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional influence. "To address the Iranian threat in all its dimensions, we need a much better deal than the failed Obama/Biden JCPOA," said Senators Coleman and Brooks from the Republican Jewish Coalition.

Rep. Nunn, drawing on his background as a former intelligence officer, has been active in legislative efforts against Iran, including the Revoke Iranian Funding Act, focused on freezing Iranian assets and increasing financial transparency.

FDD Action’s Nick Stewart endorsed the bill, underlining its importance in ensuring Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons: "The reintroduction of the Maximum Pressure Act is a decisive step toward ensuring Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon or a nuclear weapons capability."

The Maximum Pressure Act was introduced alongside other national security legislation by the Republican Study Committee at a press conference in Washington, D.C. The text of the bill has been made available online for public review.