New York, NY, October 26, 2007 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) praised the decision by the U.S. Departments of State and Treasury to move forward with vital new initiatives to increase the pressure on Iran regarding the nuclear issue.

"The decision to impose sanctions against Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps and three of Iran's largest banks are an important step to isolate Iran as long as it doesn't suspend its nuclear operations," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.  "We hope that American leadership on this issue will spur other nations – particularly Russia and China – to take more seriously the threat that a nuclear Iran will pose to the entire world."

Charging that Tehran supports terrorism in the Middle East, exports missiles and is engaging in a nuclear buildup, the U.S. administration has announced sanctions that will cut off more than 20 Iranian entities, including individuals and companies owned or controlled by the Revolutionary Guards, from the American financial system. 

In letters sent yesterday, ADL commended both Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Secretary of Treasury Henry Paulson supporting the decision and praising their leadership on the Iran issue.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.