Issue Position: Iran

Issue Position

Iran stands at a crossroads, the likes of which we have not seen since the Revolution of 1979. Iran's new President, Hassan Rouhani, has spoken with more caution and reserve than any of his predecessors. This may prove short-lived, and we must be prepared to maintain a hardline. At the same time, we must remember how our relations evolved with Soviet Russia and Communist China. We need to consider and reflect on the importance and role of diplomatic engagement in the process of easing our relations with hostile parties.

Sanctions can be an effective tool, but they can work against us as well. Study after study has demonstrated that those who are hit hardest by sanctions are the common people, and, given this, sustained sanctions can increase US enmity. Sanctions can also be undermined if other nations are unwilling to stand with us. Given the current stance of China and Russia regarding Iran, our sanctions may not have the teeth we need. To be clear I support existing sanctions and stronger sanctions if necessary to avoid military confrontation so long as they serve the ultimate goal -- Iran must never become a nuclear power.

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