Efforts by U.S. lawmakers to impose new financial pressure on Iran picked up momentum Thursday, with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid committing to having the Senate vote to boost sanctions after the body’s Thanksgiving recess, and 14 other senators, hailing from both parties, declaring that they would cooperate to push through such legislation.

In floor remarks published by Reid’s office, the Nevada Democrat declared himself to be a “strong supporter of [the] sanctions regime” and pushed for increased sanctions:

But, the Senate must be prepared to move forward with a new bipartisan Iran sanctions bill, when the Senate returns after Thanksgiving recess. And I am committed to do so.

A number of Senators have offered their own amendments on Iran in the Defense Authorization bill, and I know that other Senators also have their own sanctions bills.

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.

Amid controversial comments being leveled by some administration officials and by Hezbollah – in which sanctions proponents are being accused of seeking to derail negotiations and drag America into war – Reid stated that while he “support[s] the Admiration’s diplomatic efforts” he is committed to keeping the U.S.’s “legislative options open.” Meanwhile more than a dozen U.S. senators on Thursday published a bipartisan statement on Iranian sanctions:

U.S. Senators John McCain (R-AZ), Robert Menendez (D-NJ) Mark Kirk (R-IL), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Robert Casey (D-PA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Chris Coons (D-DE), Susan Collins (R-ME), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) and Bob Corker (R-TN) today released the following statement regarding the Senate’s consideration of Iran sanctions legislation:

“A nuclear weapons capable Iran presents a grave threat to the national security of the United States and its allies and we are committed to preventing Iran from acquiring this capability. We will work together to reconcile Democratic and Republican proposals over the coming weeks and to pass bipartisan Iran sanctions legislation as soon as possible.”

[Photo: Medill DC / Flickr]