Ayotte Renews Call to Impose Ballistic Missile Sanctions Against Iran

Press Release

Following reports that Iran test-fired another ballistic missile, U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte renewed her call for the imposition of tough and comprehensive sanctions on Tehran for its ballistic missile activities.

"Iran, the world's worst state sponsor of terrorism, continues to develop its ballistic missile program that threatens our allies, our forward deployed troops, and eventually our homeland. That is why I have introduced legislation and why I call on my colleagues and the administration to work with me to impose tough, hard-hitting sanctions on every sector of the Iranian economy that supports Tehran's ballistic missile programs. Tough words are not enough, and it is past time to hold Iran accountable," said Senator Ayotte.

In January 2016, the administration imposed limited sanctions on Iran for firing ballistic missiles in October and November of 2015. Ayotte called those administration sanctions "tepid" and "weak". Iran continues to develop its ballistic missile program and at the beginning of March 2016 again test-fired several ballistic missiles. In March 2016, Ayotte introduced the Iran Ballistic Missile Sanctions Act of 2016 along with Senators Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and others.

Since 2011, Ayotte has led efforts in the Senate to counter Iran's ballistic missile program, which represents a major threat to our forward deployed troops, regional allies like Israel, and potentially our homeland.

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