US introduces Bill sanctioning Iranian officials involved in politically motivated detentions of US citizens

On 9 January 2018, the Iran Human Rights and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act was introduced to the US House of Representatives. The Bill makes provision for the imposition of sanctions (asset freezes and visa restrictions) against Iranian officials (including family members) responsible for politically-motivated intimidation, abuse, extortion, detention or trial of US citizens (as well as Iranian expatriates). The Bill also requires the President to submit a report, detailing a list of Iranian officials who should be sanctioned for human rights abuses and/or corruption. Bill summary here.

On the same day, the House of Representatives also passed a Resolution urging “the [US] Administration to use targeted sanctions and work to convene emergency sessions of the United Nations Security Council and the United Nations Human Rights Council to condemn the ongoing human rights violations perpetrated by the Iranian regime”.