H.R. 6230: Tehran Incitement to Violence Act

This bill, titled the Tehran Incitement to Violence Act, seeks to address concerns regarding threats against specific individuals, primarily U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The bill intends to designate certain individuals as "specially designated global terrorists" based on findings that they have made statements or taken actions inciting violence against these leaders. The following outlines the main aspects of the bill:

Findings

Congress has noted several points leading to the introduction of this bill:

• A hardline cleric, Abdolmajid Kharghani, has reportedly initiated an online campaign that allegedly raised over $20 million for assassination attempts against President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu.
• Various Iranian political and religious figures have publicly labeled President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu with terms that, under Islamic law, suggest that violence against them is justified.
• Several Iranian clerics, including Ayatollah Hossein Mazaheri, have issued fatwas, legal opinions in Islamic law, against these leaders, which may carry severe penalties, including death.
• Comments from other Iranian officials and leaders, including threats of violence and calls for assassination, have further aggravated concerns about the safety of President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Designation of Individuals and Organizations

The bill necessitates a review by the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, to identify individuals and entities that fit the criteria for designation as global terrorists. This review is mandated to occur within 90 days after the bill is enacted and then every 180 days for a maximum of six years. The individuals under consideration for designation include:

• Ayatollah Naser Makarem-Shirazi
• Ayatollah Hossein Nouri Hamedani
• Ayatollah Hossein Mazaheri
• Ayatollah Ja’far Sobhani
• Alireza Panahian
• Ayatollah Abbas Kaabi
• Abdolmajid Kharghani
• Ahmad Khatami
• Mohsen Araki
• Ayatollah Alireza Arafi
• Qom Seminary (Howzeh Elmieh Qom)
• Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB)
• Assembly of Experts
• Expediency and Discernment Council
• Guardian Council
• Ayatollah Ahmad Alamolhoda
• Society of Seminary Teachers of Qom (Jaameh Modaresin Howzeh Elmieh Qom)
• Hojjat al-Eslam Amin Assadpour

Criteria for Designation

For an individual or entity to be designated under this act, they must meet certain criteria, which primarily involve involvement in terrorism, as defined by existing laws. This includes:

• Actions violative of Executive Order 13224, which relates to blocking property and prohibiting transactions with individuals who commit or threaten terrorism.
• Being designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) or a Global Magnitsky Accountability Act (GLOMAG) subject.
• Conduct that meets the criteria for designation concerning various sanctions related to Iran.

Implications

Through this legislation, the U.S. government aims to take a firmer stance against individuals and groups perceived to be threats to the safety of American and allied leaders. By officially designating them as terrorists, the bill seeks to support measures that may involve financial sanctions and isolation from international support.

Relevant Companies

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