Sires' Statement on Trump's Plan to Abandon the Iran Nuclear Agreement
Statement
Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ), Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee released the following statement in response to the announcement that President Trump is unilaterally withdrawing from the Iran Nuclear Agreement, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA):
"President Trump's announcement to withdraw from the agreement and reimpose sanctions without a comprehensive strategy to counter Iran from becoming a nuclear power is a mistake. His announcement is short-sighted and gives no indication on how to counter Iran's malign activities around the world. President Trump's refusal to consult with Congress or coordinate with our allies makes it easier for the Iranian regime and its proxies to double down on their nefarious agenda. Rogue regimes like Iran, North Korea, and Russia will be able to strengthen economic and military ties which poses a greater threat to our allies, especially Israel.
Throughout my time in Congress I have been a strong proponent for finding a peaceful path to curb Iran's nuclear program. As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I listened to experts and studied this JCPOA in great detail. As a result, I voiced my deep skepticism that the nuclear agreement was insufficient in halting Iran's nuclear program and preventing them from obtaining a nuclear weapon. However, since it went into effect I believe the U.S. and other parties to the agreement need to keep our word and do everything possible to strictly enforce the agreement. This includes conducting the most thorough and comprehensive inspections to verify that Iran is in compliance with the agreement and unable to deceive the international community and violate the agreement undetected.
Any effort to change the deal has to be comprehensive and thoughtful. The President should listen to his military experts and advisors when they say that enforcing this deal is in the national security interest of the United States."
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