US Senator Ted Cruz calls for sanctions over Iranian warships' visit to Brazil
(MENAFN) Senator Ted Cruz of Texas has called for sanctions on anyone involved in the recent visit of two Iranian warships to Brazil. He said that the visit was “a direct threat to the safety and security of Americans” and demanded that Washington take action against all those who had anything to do with it.
The two ships in question, the Iranian Navy frigate Dena and the supply ship Makran, arrived in Brazil on Sunday as part of a mission to sail around the world. The United States had previously asked Brazil to refuse permission for the ships to dock, citing the unilateral American sanctions against Iran.
Senator Cruz called for Washington to impose sanctions on the port in Rio de Janeiro where the ships docked, as well as any Brazilian companies that provided services to the ships or accepted payments. He also warned that foreign companies that entangle themselves with the port or the Brazilian companies in the future would be at risk of sanctions.
Cruz said that United States anti-terrorism laws were “not optional” and demanded that President Joe Biden impose relevant sanctions and re-evaluate whether Brasilia was adequately cooperating with Washington. If the administration does not take action, Cruz said that Congress should force them to do so.
The senator, who sits on the Foreign Relations Committee and is the ranking member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, is a member of the Republican Party, which is currently in the minority in the Senate but controls the House of Representatives. His call for sanctions comes amid growing tensions between the US and Iran over the latter’s nuclear program and its alleged support for terrorist organizations in the Middle East.
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