Zinke on Iran Deal: "Iran is Not Our Equal

Statement

Today the Obama Administration announced a deal had been reached to lift economic sanctions on Iran, the leading state-sponsor of terrorism in the world, and allow the nation to maintain and advance some nuclear capabilities. Congress now has 60 days to review the deal and give it an up or down vote, but only 30 days before sanctions can be relieved. The president has promised a veto of anything but full implementation.

Montana Congressman and retired Navy SEAL Commander Ryan Zinke issued the following statement.

"I agree with Israel: This is a bad mistake of historic proportions. Iran has not proven to be a reliable and trustworthy negotiating partner. Their behavior is not of a responsible nation, as they continue to fund Hezbollah, a terrorist group, in their war against Israel. The verification parameters of this "deal' are not robust enough to ensure Iran plays by the rules.

"But this is only the latest in a string of dangerous decisions President Obama has made regarding Iran. President Obama handed the keys of Iraq to Iranian militias, now he is giving them a legal pathway to a nuclear bomb and over a $140 billion in economic relief. These actions create the perfect storm for the rise of Iran as the regional super power, and this will likely result in a nuclear arms race in the most volatile region in the world.

"Pro-Iran sympathizers are pushing the notion that if we do not accept this deal, we will go to war. This is a false narrative and fear mongering. We and our allies have options, and Congress will review every one of them.

"Iran is not our equal. Iran is the largest state-sponsor of terrorism across the globe, and giving them not only billions of dollars in economic relief, but also a legal pathway to a nuclear weapon, will only bolster their anti-American, anti-Israel activities and aspirations. I have been to war in the Middle East. I have worked beside Israeli Defense Forces, and I have defended our nation on the front lines against radical Islamic terrorists. I know what is at stake. I am not deterred by President Obama's veto threats; I will do everything I can in Congress to block this deal from ever going forward."

Source