Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today said he backed the new sanctions on Iran announced today by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson Jr.

He made this statement:

“I strongly support the Administration’s efforts to impose tough new economic sanctions on Iran.  The designation of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps as a proliferator of weapons of mass destruction and the Quds Force as a supporter of terrorism are certainly justified and necessary. 

“I hope the sanctions announced today will help deliver the desired results when it comes to curbing Iran’s nuclear desires.  The entire free world should join in our effort and view this as an opportunity for the international community to step up to the plate.  Russia could play a key role in this endeavor if they choose to act and I believe a coordinated international campaign could provide positive results. 

“At the end of the day though, the Iranian nuclear desires must be contained.  Iran is not interested in the production of peaceful nuclear power, but the production of weapons-grade nuclear materials.  We must keep all options on the table when dealing with this dangerous Iranian regime.” 

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