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Does the Obama Administration Support More Sanctions on Iran?
(Foreign Policy) Josh Rogin - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) said Tuesday that he intends to move as soon as possible to pass the Johnson-Shelby Iran Sanctions, Accountability and Human Rights Act of 2012, that would pile on more punitive measures against Iran's energy, shipping, and mining sectors, while punishing a broader range of Iranian government officials for their involvement in human rights violations. The Obama administration hasn't said anything about the legislation, even though it has been vocal about other Iran sanctions bills being debated in Congress. If the administration supports the new sanctions, it risks upsetting the new negotiations with Iran just as they are beginning. If the administration doesn't support the new sanctions, it leaves them open to allegations of weakness towards Iran in the midst of the presidential election season.