US legislation to back anti-government moves in Iran

US lawmakers on Thursday introduced legislation aimed at helping efforts “to oppose and remove” the current Iranian government.

A bill, crafted by Republican Senators John Cornyn and Sam Brownback, would authorize the flow of non-military aid to Iranian protesters as well as humanitarian aid to what is described as “victims of the current regime.”

“The people of Iran are clearly hungry for freedom, and America has a duty to stand behind them and support their cause,” said Senator Cornyn.

The legislation includes a non-binding statement that would compel Washington to back Iranian efforts to change their government.

The move comes at a time when the United States says it is not interfering in Iran’s internal affairs, amid accusations made by Tehran that Washington was involved and orchestrated the riots that erupted after the presidential election in June.

Another bill, sponsored by Republican Senator John McCain and Independent Senator Joe Lieberman, would call on President Barack Obama to make a public list of human rights abusers with the aim of imposing punitive measures like asset freezes or bans on US travel against such individuals.

“Bottom line, this is a targeted measure against the oppressors of the Iranian people,” said McCain spokeswoman Brooke Buchanan.

Millions of Iranians took to the streets on Thursday to mark the 31st anniversary of the Islamic Revolution as President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad addressed a crowd in Tehran’s Azadi square, denouncing world powers who oppose the Iranian government.

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei praised the high turnout in the rally and said, Iran “has found its way and made the decision to reach the peak of development and welfare, and will overcome any obstacle” in its path.