According to some reports, Washington is backing a measure that would restrict Iranian access to technology meant to block or limit access to the Internet.

U. N. measure to sanction Iran for its controversial nuclear activity is being worked at by Washington. Tehran insists its nuclear work is for civilian energy, though Western allies suspect the program is weapons-related.

The Christian Science Monitor reports said that Washington is supporting a measure that would limit Iran's access to software and equipment that could block Internet access.

The opposition movement that grew out of contested Iranian presidential elections in June used social networking like Facebook and Twitter to get around media restrictions.

The U. S. State Department reportedly called on Twitter in 2009 to delay maintenance work in order to keep the site open as unrest unfolded in Iran.

A bill that calls on Washington to adopt a policy that supports an opposition movement in Iran was introduced in February by U. S. Sens. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Sam Brownback, R-Kan., while denying the regime the means to pursue nuclear weapons and advocate terrorism in the Middle East.

Brownback said," We must be prepared to stand behind Iranians who are ready to replace a regime that rules by terror with a government that is chosen by the Iranian people, respects human rights and does not pose a threat to world peace." ( With Inputs from Agencies)