Lankford: The World Is Watching How the US Handles P5+1 Negotiation with Iran on Nuclear Program

Press Release

Representative James Lankford (R-Okla.) issued the following statement in advance of next week's deadline for the United Nations Security Council's P5+1 decision regarding Iran's nuclear program, including Iran's requests to lift international sanctions intended to prevent Iran from acquiring weapons-grade enriched uranium that could threaten the security of the region and the international community as a whole.

"It should come as no surprise that we oppose the nation of Iran gaining access to nuclear weapons," said Lankford. "Stability in the Middle East has long been a goal of United States international negotiations, and a nuclear Iran is completely counterproductive to that end.

"Secretary Kerry, the world is watching the seriousness with which the U.S. handles this grave situation. Before considering any further conversation with Iran on this issue, I urge the U.N. delegation to look very carefully at Iran's compliance with international agencies and to assess previous negotiations to find a solution that will prevent weapons-grade nuclear capacity," declared Lankford.

On Wednesday the U.S. House passed legislation to condemn Iran for human rights violations including the executions of women and the persecution of religious minorities. The House also condemned Iran's undemocratic election process.

"Iran has threatened to wipe our greatest ally, Israel, off the map," continued Lankford. "The United States should never stand idly by and allow Iran to threaten and potentially attempt to arm themselves with nuclear weapons against our allies. Just this week, the world again witnessed the strength and resolve of the Israeli people as they coped with a devastating attack on a synagogue in Jerusalem. My thoughts and prayers remain with the families affected by the attacks.

"The Israeli people will continue to stand united, and the United States must continue to stand with Israel," concluded Lankford.

In an October 2014 letter, Rep. Lankford joined 353 Members of Congress to urge Secretary Kerry to monitor Iran's cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as the P5+1 continues its negotiation talks. The letter stated, "…In its [IAEA] September 5, 2014 report, the IAEA stated that Iran had failed to meet its latest deadline, even as it continued to demolish structures and construct others at the Parchin military base, where clandestine nuclear-related activities have repeatedly taken place." The letter to Secretary Kerry went on to say, "We believe that Iran's willingness to fully reveal all aspects of its nuclear program is a fundamental test of Iran's intention to uphold a comprehensive agreement…The only reasonable conclusion for its stonewalling of international investigators is that Tehran does indeed have much to hide."

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