Cooper Says U.S. “Shouldn’t Go It Alone” on Iran

As Congress looks at different ways to punish Iran for hiding its nuclear facilities, Nashville Democrat Jim Cooper wants to make sure any possible sanctions are coordinated with other countries.

Iran says its nuclear facility is only enriching uranium for power, not weapons. But the Obama Administration is skeptical, and is calling for “increased pressure” on the regime.

A bipartisan group on Capitol Hill wants that pressure to take the form of sanctions. Cooper says the U.S. shouldn’t go it alone.

“We’ve largely had no relationship with Iran since 1979, or 30 years ago. So getting their more active trading partners involved would have much more effect on Iran.”

Critics say previous sanctions haven’t worked. Senators are now pushing legislation that would target Iran’s gasoline imports and its central bank. Sanctions could also punish companies that work with Iran.

Not all of these ideas have become formal legislation yet. Cooper doesn’t have any favorites among the different options.

“There are some pressure points, I’m sure, but I’m not an expert on Iranian pressure points.”

President Obama is still resisting Congressionally mandated sanctions. The Senate Banking Committee will likely consider further action later this month… ahead of a second round of international talks on Iran’s nuclear program.

Reported by Tanya Snyder