Pompeo, LoBiondo, Zeldin Seek Travel to Iran to Meet with American Hostages, Observe Elections, Visit Nuclear Facilities

Statement

Congressmen Mike Pompeo (Kansas-At-Large), Frank LoBiondo (NJ-02), and Lee Zeldin (NY-01) today visited the Iranian Interests Section in Washington, D.C., where they hand-delivered visa applications for the purpose of traveling to Iran to observe its elections on February 26. Pompeo, LoBiondo and Zeldin sent a letter to Ayatollah Khamenei and IRGC Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari requesting their assistance with the application process and with arranging agenda items that the three lawmakers hope to accomplish in Iran, including appointments with American hostages, visits to Iranian nuclear facilities, updates on Iran's recent ballistic missile tests, and an IRGC briefing on the detention of 10 U.S. Navy sailors.

"The president has consistently rewarded Iran's depraved behavior, providing billions of dollars in sanctions relief to this fanatical regime through implementation of his dangerous nuclear agreement. Given the recent changes brought about by these actions, it is critical that we, as members of Congress, visit Iran and verify whether or not this country will uphold the terms of the nuclear deal. It is also important to have Americans present to observe if Iran's elections are free and fair. If Iran is truly a partner in peace, as President Obama and Secretary Kerry claim, then Iranian leaders should have no problem granting our visas and arranging the requested agenda. I look forward to receiving a timely response from Iran," said Pompeo, a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

"For the past year, we have been repeatedly assured by President Obama and Ayatollah Khamenei of a new era of openness and cooperation between the United States and Iran. In the spirit of such openness and cooperation, my colleagues and I should be able to visit Iran and see firsthand what we have requested to review, including the upcoming Iranian elections. Approving the visa applications of Member of the U.S. Congress would be a sign of good faith from the Iranian government," said LoBiondo, Chairman of the House CIA Subcommittee.

"Americans deserve credible, first hand confirmation of what present day reality is in Iran, regarding the implementation of the Iran Nuclear Deal, status of American hostages, and foreign policy objectives of Iranian leaders. If Iran is truly a partner in peace, our visa applications will be granted so that we can meet with Iranian leadership, visit nuclear sites, meet with American hostages and observe Iran's upcoming election. I look forward to visiting Iran later this month and reporting back to the American people upon our return to the United States," said Zeldin, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

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