President Barack Obama shakes hands with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Photo: Chuck Kennedy.

JNS.org – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) said he will go ahead with proposing a bill calling for tougher Iran sanctions early next month, despite President Barack Obama’s request to delay new sanctions during negotiations.

“I will support a bill that would broaden the scope of our current petroleum sanctions, place limitations on trade with strategic sectors of the Iranian economy that support its nuclear ambitions, as well as pursue those who divert goods to Iran,” Reid said.

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) praised the decision.

“This announcement, and the subsequent bill, is an important statement about the resolve of Senate Democrats and Republicans to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability,” AIPAC President Michael Kassen said in a statement.

The Obama administration had also lobbied major Jewish organizations for their support of a delay. However, AIPAC , along with other Jewish groups, said the organization would continue to push for new sanctions.