WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement after the U.S. charged seven Iranians for cyber attacks on several U.S. banks and a New York dam in 2011 and 2013.

“I am pleased to see the Obama Administration show its commitment to taking action against the government of Iran, Iranian entities, and those seeking to evade sanctions against Iran,”said Senator Coons.  “Just today, we learned of a series of Iranian cyberattacks between 2011 and 2013 aimed at New York City, and Iran continues to test ballistic missiles, support terrorism, and commit human rights violations, so it is essential that the U.S. government work to counter these activities.”

“Today’s announcements that the Administration is cracking down on seven experienced Iranian computer hackers,  individuals and entities affiliated with ballistic missile tests, and Iran’s state-sponsored airline’s efforts to avoid sanctions are a step in the right direction.  These important steps to hold Iran accountable follow encouraging news earlier this week of charges against a consultant to the Iranian mission to the United Nations and the arrest of a Turkish national for conspiring to evade sanctions against Iran. 

“I am also pleased to see the U.S. Navy and U.S. intelligence community working with the Australian Navy to interdict a shipment of weapons from Iran to Yemen.  The seizure of more than 2,000 pieces of weaponry represents a success for those seeking a more stable Middle East free from Iranian meddling.  I commend the Administration for this work and look forward to seeing similar actions in the future.  Pushing back against Iran’s destabilizing role in the region remains fundamentally important to U.S. interests in the Middle East and support for our allies in the region and around the world.”