US Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Track Iran Nuclear Efforts

Senator Bob Menendez at the Capitol Hill in Washington (Reuters)
Senator Bob Menendez at the Capitol Hill in Washington (Reuters)
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US Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Track Iran Nuclear Efforts

Senator Bob Menendez at the Capitol Hill in Washington (Reuters)
Senator Bob Menendez at the Capitol Hill in Washington (Reuters)

Democratic and Republican lawmakers have introduced a bill requiring the US administration to assess Iranian threats and develop a clear strategy to deal with them.

The "Iran Nuclear Weapons Capability Monitoring Act of 2022" was presented by Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez and Senator Lindsey Graham.

The act calls for establishing a task force to monitor Iran's nuclear weapons and missile capabilities and urges the Biden administration to coordinate intelligence cooperation with regional allies like Israel.

The bipartisan legislation requires that the Secretary of State submit an annual diplomatic strategy for engaging with partners and allies of the United States regarding Iran's nuclear weapons and missile activities.

The bill highlights the growing congressional opposition to the Biden administration's efforts to return to the nuclear deal with Tehran, including top Democratic members.

Menendez said there is no reason why the US Congress should not receive the most up-to-date information about Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile activities or the administration's diplomatic efforts to address the threats they posed.

Republican Senator Graham said that no matter what happens with the Iran nuclear negotiations, "we must monitor the Iranian nuclear program like a hawk."



G7 Statement will Not Mention ICC Warrant for Netanyahu

Protesters wave an Israeli flag and hold placards as they stand behind a banner reading, "Crime Minister" and demonstrate against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu just before his corruption trial opens, outside his residence in Jerusalem May 24, 2020. The placard in Hebrew reads, " Indictment: favorable coverage = lying to the public" REUTERS/Amir Cohen/File Photo
Protesters wave an Israeli flag and hold placards as they stand behind a banner reading, "Crime Minister" and demonstrate against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu just before his corruption trial opens, outside his residence in Jerusalem May 24, 2020. The placard in Hebrew reads, " Indictment: favorable coverage = lying to the public" REUTERS/Amir Cohen/File Photo
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G7 Statement will Not Mention ICC Warrant for Netanyahu

Protesters wave an Israeli flag and hold placards as they stand behind a banner reading, "Crime Minister" and demonstrate against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu just before his corruption trial opens, outside his residence in Jerusalem May 24, 2020. The placard in Hebrew reads, " Indictment: favorable coverage = lying to the public" REUTERS/Amir Cohen/File Photo
Protesters wave an Israeli flag and hold placards as they stand behind a banner reading, "Crime Minister" and demonstrate against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu just before his corruption trial opens, outside his residence in Jerusalem May 24, 2020. The placard in Hebrew reads, " Indictment: favorable coverage = lying to the public" REUTERS/Amir Cohen/File Photo

A joint statement of Group of Seven foreign ministers is set to avoid mentioning the International Criminal Court's (ICC) arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite an effort by the Italian hosts to find a common position on it.

Italy, which currently chairs the G7, said on Monday it wanted to try to forge a common position about the ICC arrest warrant at a two-day meeting it hosted in the spa town of Fiuggi and which ended on Tuesday.

A draft of the final statement due to emerge from the discussions, reviewed by Reuters, did not directly name the ICC and its decisions.

"In exercising its right to defend itself, Israel must fully comply with its obligations under international law in all circumstances, including International Humanitarian Law," it said.

"We reiterate our commitment to International Humanitarian Law and will comply with our respective obligations," the statement added, stressing "that there can be no equivalence between the terrorist group Hamas and the State of Israel".

Last week, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former defence chief Yoav Gallant, as well as a Hamas leader, Ibrahim Al-Masri, for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza conflict.

The move was strongly criticized by the United States but other states including Britain and Italy did not rule out that they could make an arrest if Netanyahu visited their countries.

Israel condemned the ICC decision as shameful and absurd. Hamas praised it as a step towards justice.