Majlis Passes Bill in Response to UN Sanctions

The Majlis (Iran’s Parliament) passed a bill on December 27, 2006* by an overwhelming vote that could limit the country’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency. The bill appears to be a response to the United Nations Security Council resolution passed on December 23, 2006 which imposes trade sanctions on goods and technology related to Iran’s uranium enrichment and ballistic missile programs.

The bill, approved 161 to 15 with 15 abstentions, asserts that the Iranian government should “revise its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency based on the interests of Iran and its people.”

It is still unclear exactly what “revise its cooperation” means, but the version that passed was significantly watered down from the version initially drafted by hard-line conservatives.

Reformist lawmaker Nouredin Pirmoazen said during the debate on the bill that, “The best solution is to establish a bridge with other countries to reduce the tension.”

The Guardian Council of Islamic clerics immediately approved the bill, a step that is required for any bill to become law. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is now expected to sign the bill.

*Blogger's note: original published version said December 27, 2007 until the mistake was pointed out by Glenn Marcus.