Wittman Statement on Iran Nuclear Deal
Friday, October 13, 2017
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) released this statement following the Trump Administration's announcement on its new strategy regarding Iran.
"In 2015 I voted against the Iran Nuclear Deal as I feared that agreement lacked sufficient safeguards to prevent the Iranian government from continuing its pursuit of a nuclear weapon. Two years later, Iran is testing launch platforms and ballistic missiles," Wittman said. "Iran still continues to destabilize the region by supporting Shia militias, Hezbollah and other terrorist groups. A more peaceful and tolerant Iran is certainly in the best interest of the United States, but simply wishing peace and tolerance upon a nation shown to lack a desire for both does not suddenly make it trustworthy, and the U.S. must remain wary of Iran's intentions. President Trump's request to Congress to reevaluate the deal will allow us to fight for a policy that truly holds Iran accountable and protects our national security interests."
Today's announcement states that while Iran has violated the "spirit" of the 2015 Iran Nuclear Deal, the Administration is not withdrawing the United States from the deal. Instead, President Trump is asking Congress to adopt new measures that would keep the deal intact, while spelling out parameters by which the US would impose new sanctions should Iran violate this agreement.
Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he is the Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee.
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"In 2015 I voted against the Iran Nuclear Deal as I feared that agreement lacked sufficient safeguards to prevent the Iranian government from continuing its pursuit of a nuclear weapon. Two years later, Iran is testing launch platforms and ballistic missiles," Wittman said. "Iran still continues to destabilize the region by supporting Shia militias, Hezbollah and other terrorist groups. A more peaceful and tolerant Iran is certainly in the best interest of the United States, but simply wishing peace and tolerance upon a nation shown to lack a desire for both does not suddenly make it trustworthy, and the U.S. must remain wary of Iran's intentions. President Trump's request to Congress to reevaluate the deal will allow us to fight for a policy that truly holds Iran accountable and protects our national security interests."
Today's announcement states that while Iran has violated the "spirit" of the 2015 Iran Nuclear Deal, the Administration is not withdrawing the United States from the deal. Instead, President Trump is asking Congress to adopt new measures that would keep the deal intact, while spelling out parameters by which the US would impose new sanctions should Iran violate this agreement.
Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he is the Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee.
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