Issue Position: Foreign Affairs - Containing the Threat of Iran

Issue Position

One of the most significant threats to our national security is the prospect of Iran's obtaining nuclear weapons. To help address this threat, the House of Representatives recently approved the Iran Counter-Proliferation Act [H.R. 1400] by an overwhelming bipartisan vote. This legislation would significant tighten our economic sanctions on Iran so long as that country continues to pursue nuclear weapons.

But while these sanctions are important, they will be most effective if our allies and trading partners join us in putting pressure on Iran; we need a multi-lateral approach to counter-proliferation in general, and to Iran in particular.

No one should be under any illusions that negotiations with the Iranian government would be easy. In addition to its dangerous efforts to develop nuclear weapons, Iran is clearly helping arm and train Shiite militias in Iraq. At the same time, it is clear that more threats and posturing are unlikely to get Iran to back down.

I think the Bush Administration's recent saber rattling with respect to Iran has been counterproductive. Further, I agree with the recommendation of the bipartisan Iraq Study Group that called on the Administration to "actively engage Iran and Syria in its diplomatic dialogue, without preconditions."

Dialogue and diplomacy are not just for talking with our friends around the world, but for dealing with potential adversaries as well. Too often, the Bush Administration has taken the counterintuitive view that it will not negotiate with nations like Iran and Syria unless the most contentious and difficult issues are somehow already resolved in our favor. These preconditions on negotiations all but guarantee that no discussions ever take place.

We should build upon sanctions like those imposed by [H.R. 1400] to pursue a multi-lateral, negotiated solution to this critical threat.

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