Senate Republicans and Democrats were able to reach a deal on Monday, passing by a unanimous vote tougher sanctions against Iran with the aim of deterring the Middle East country from continuing to develop nuclear weapons.

The Senate legislation still must be reconciled with a similar version passed in the House late last year. However, the action by the Senate sends a strong word to Iranian leaders in Tehran, only days before talks with Iran begin with six world powers in Baghdad over the nuclear program in the country.

One Senate leader said it was just another message to Tehran that we are serious and mean business. We do not want more nuclear powers that are irresponsive. Congress has already applied sanction that are tightening and hurting and the new ones will only make it more difficult for the country.

The new legislation include a provision that was inserted by Senator Rand Paul, the son of presidential candidate Ron Paul, that says nothing that is included in the legislation should be interpreted as an authorization of force by the military or a declaration of war against Syria or Iran.

The legislation also had new and tougher language that says the U.S. can encourage Iran to abandon its weapons program through diplomacy, sanctions and military planning. That agrees with President Obama’s remarks that all options are open to us.

The new package also makes sanctions stronger that target the oil sector in Iran and imposes new sanctions against businesses that provide any technologies to Tehran to carry out censorship or commit human rights violations.