Washington, D.C. - Congressman Howard L. Berman (CA-28), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, the Ranking Republican Member of the Committee, today released the following statement regarding their initiation of a bipartisan Working Group on Iran Sanction Implementation:

“Today we are initiating a working group that will help ensure that U.S. and international sanctions on Iran are fully implemented, effectively enforced and, ultimately, have the intended effect of bringing about Iran’s termination of all activities contributing to its pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability.”

“The Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability and Divestment Act of 2010, which was signed into law by President Obama on July 1, has already had a significant impact on Iran's access to international markets and its ability to acquire refined petroleum.”

“We will continue to pressure and isolate Iran until it terminates its illicit nuclear weapons activities.  A nuclear-armed Iran is unacceptable.”

The bipartisan Working Group on Iran Sanctions Implementation will meet on a regular basis with Administration officials, foreign ambassadors, and outside experts to oversee and verify enforcement of Iran sanctions implementation.

The Foreign Affairs Committee will also hold a hearing this fall on Iran sanctions implementation.

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