ran and a six-nation negotiating group are trying to reach an agreement that could bring an end to 12 years of deadlock over Iran's nuclear program:
"It is welcome news that the U.S. and Iranian diplomats are engaged in talks this week to secure an agreement by November 24th that guards against a nuclear-armed Iran.
While some of my colleagues have objected to negotiations with Iran, it must be noted that thanks to these historic diplomatic efforts the world is further from a nuclear-armed Iran, and the risk of an eventual war over this issue.
Now more than ever is the time to commit ourselves to diplomacy. We know the outcome of a rush to war. Too many hardline members and members-elect are already opposing a deal, emboldening hardliners in Iran. What the hardliners do not say, is that failure to reach a deal clears the path to war.
I agree with my colleagues that Congress must fulfill its constitutional duties to provide oversight to ensure that Iran continues to comply with its commitments, as outlined in the Joint Plan of Action. However, ultimately a comprehensive nuclear agreement must be negotiated by diplomats, not by congressional decree. The Constitution vests the power of negotiating international agreements to the executive branch.
Press reports indicate that a possible outcome of these negotiations would be a multi-year accord that would be structured in successive stages. Upon stringent verification that Iran has given progressively greater concessions to rein in its nuclear program, the United States and its allies would provide proportionate sanctions relief.
Congress has passed multiple rounds of sanctions legislation against Iran that has expressly granted the president the authority to waive or suspend designated sanctions. Bipartisan support for executive waiver authority is critical to ensuring that our diplomats have the maneuverability they need to successfully negotiate an agreement that prevents a nuclear-armed Iran. Our negotiators need support from Congress to accomplish the objective shared by lawmakers, the Administration, and the American people, which is to peacefully prevent a nuclear-armed Iran.
Failure to provide support for diplomacy is an endorsement of war. The world is watching."
Rep. Johnson is a member of the House Armed Services and Judiciary committees. He serves as ranking member of the House Judiciary subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law.