Th Southampton Press - Zeldin Denounces Obama's Threat To Veto Iran Sanctions

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U.S. Representative Lee Zeldin issued a statement on Saturday denouncing President Barack Obama's threat to veto bipartisan legislation that would impose sanctions on Iran.

"I strongly disagree with the president's continuing effort to win over the Iranian government through acts of kindness," Mr. Zeldin, a Republican who sits on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and is co-chair of the House Republican Israel Caucus, said in the release. "It's a strategy divorced from the reality that the Iranians do not respect weakness, only strength."

The legislation, backed by both Republicans and Democrats in Congress, would place heavy sanctions on Iran because of the country's nuclear policies.

Negotiations between diplomats from the United States and Iran are ongoing, and President Obama issued a warning to Congress last week during a press conference, telling them to "hold your fire," on any legislation to increase sanctions. The president added that any legislation placed on his desk would be vetoed immediately.

Meanwhile, Mr. Zeldin said, "Providing Iran with relief from sanctions is a serious mistake, and I strongly urge the president to reconsider. Iran poses a serious national security threat to America, Israel and many of our allies."

This week, Mr. Zeldin also was appointed to serve on two House Foreign Affairs subcommittees: the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, and the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade.

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