Lujan Grisham: JCPOA Holds Iran Accountable, Unites International Community to Prevent them from Obtaining Nuclear Weapon

Statement

Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM-01) released the following statement in support of the P5+1 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA):

"After hearing from countless constituents and carefully evaluating the P5+1 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with stakeholders and national security experts on all sides of this issue, I am convinced that this historic agreement is the best option to protect the national security of the United States and our allies. This agreement, which was negotiated between the United States and the international community, helps prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Without it, Iran would be able to act with virtually no restrictions on its nuclear program. The United States led the world when it was time to apply aggressive sanctions against Iran's nuclear ambitions. We must continue to lead the world to engage diplomatically and promote peace in the region, while recognizing that all options are still on the table.

"This is one of the toughest decisions I have had to make as a Member of Congress because of the agreement's serious national security implications. I remain concerned that Iran will continue to sponsor terrorism, threaten Israel, and promote instability throughout the Middle East. They are motivated to obtain nuclear capabilities and have acted to deliberately undermine peace and security in the region. That is why we must work diligently with our allies and the international community to not only prevent a nuclear Iran, but also address broader security issues. We cannot simply approve this agreement and turn a blind eye to Iran's other serious transgressions.

"Any deal is imperfect when it is made with an untrustworthy actor, and the U.S. government, the international community, and the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA) must vigorously verify compliance and enforce this agreement. Reducing Iran's uranium stockpile and dismantling their centrifuges are important steps to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. However, these provisions mean nothing without strong monitoring and enforcement, which is why the JCPOA includes critical nuclear detection mechanisms for international monitors. Currently, Iran is only two months away from a nuclear weapon, but by enforcing this deal, we push that timeframe back significantly.

"In addition, defense experts believe that as a result of this agreement, we will have better military options if they are needed. Due to the agreement's monitoring provisions, the military will have more complete intelligence about the location and extent of Iran's nuclear assets. Even if Iran cheats on the agreement, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said that, "Any prospective military option, if called for, will be more effective under this deal--not less."

"I appreciate all of the input that I received, particularly the thoughtful opinions and discussions I had with constituents throughout the 1st Congressional District. The strength of this agreement comes from similar discussions conducted all across the country and among some of the most powerful nations in the world. After years of tough negotiations, the United States and our allies developed the JCPOA with the goal of restricting Iran's nuclear program. Although many years of diplomatic engagement, monitoring, and robust domestic debate remain, if we continue to work collectively, here at home and abroad, we will be in the strongest position to hold Iran accountable and ultimately prevent them from obtaining a nuclear weapon."

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