Senator Coons statement on nuclear negotiations with Iran

Statement

U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement after negotiators from the P5+1 and Iran released a framework agreement today:

"I am eager to examine the details of the preliminary agreement announced today between Iran and the P5+1, but I am also concerned that there is much more difficult work still to be done to reach a final, long-term nuclear agreement that is verifiable, fully enforceable, and effectively prevents Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

"A nuclear Iran would pose a profound threat to our national security, the security of Israel, and many of our allies, and would also cause a destabilizing nuclear arms race throughout the Middle East. Simply put, a nuclear armed Iran is and must remain unacceptable.

"As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I have urged Administration officials to not make any concessions on breakout timeline and capacity, centrifuge research and development, or the duration of any deal. While I support the Administration's efforts to seek a negotiated path towards ending Iran's illicit nuclear program, I have also been clear that no deal is better than a bad deal.

"I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that Congress' voice is heard in this process, and as negotiations proceed, I will continue urging the Administration to push for the strongest possible deal that protects the United States, Israel, and the international community."

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