Washington, May 18 (RHC)—US Republican senators blocked a draft legislation stipulating economic sanctions on Iran as they urged the White House to resort to a military attack if Tehran refuses to stop its nuclear program.

The rejection of the bill at the senate came in as a surprise, since a bipartisan committee had approved the proposal, which was debated Friday at the plenary session, PL news agency reported.

The draft legislation would put pressure on international banks that cooperate with Iran in selling its oil to clients abroad, and it also stipulated sanctions on crude oil transport companies.

Senator Harry M. Reid, Democrat for Nevada and Senate majority leader accused the Republicans of trying to take political advantages by boycotting, in the last minute, a draft legislation being under debate since last March.

Meanwhile, Republican Senator Lindsey O. Graham,  an influential figure at the Senate’s Armed Services Committee said they expect to add a clear signal to Iran in the draft bill, that a US military attack could be seriously considered if they do not put down their nuclear research plans.

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