Zeldin, Pompeo, LoBiondo on Iran's Elections, Iranian Government's Missed Deadline to Respond to Visa Applications

Statement

After Iran's disputed elections, Congressmen Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.), Mike Pompeo and Frank LoBiondo (R-N.J.) released the following statement noting the Iranian government's continued delay in responding to the lawmakers' visa applications, after it missed its own, self-imposed deadline. At the beginning of the month, the three lawmakers submitted visa applications to travel to Iran to observe its elections and accomplish a number of other items, including appointments with American hostages and visits to three nuclear facilities.

"It's unfortunate that Iran has not yet granted our request for visas to observe Iran's election and for other productive purposes. The American people and rest of the free world still deserve first hand confirmation of what present day reality is in Iran. I look forward to Iran showing that it is a partner in peace by issuing our visas so that we can meet with Iranian leadership, visit nuclear sites, and meet with American hostages," said Zeldin, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

"Sadly, Iran's elections were a sham. Because the fanatical Ayatollah holds ultimate power, February 26 was more of a selection of the next group of radicals by the current radicals, than a true election by the people. Iranian state television has declared a national victory for the hardliners--politicians who declared that Israelis "aren't human' and who called for the execution of the pro-democracy Green Movement leaders were selected. Our straightforward and sincere visa applications have been met with mockery and delay from Iran, revealing this regime's desire to hide from the American public. I am hopeful that the next U.S. president will critically examine the utility of President Obama's nuclear deal and put America's interests ahead of political legacy," said Pompeo, a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

"In this supposed "new era of openness and cooperation,' it is disappointing -- but not surprising -- that our request to visit Iran and monitor these elections was met with a closed door. Furthermore, with the implementation of the nuclear deal and with Americans still detained in Tehran, it is perplexing why the Obama Administration refuses to advocate on behalf of our official Congressional visit to Iran on such critical national security issues. From my position on the House Intelligence Committee, I will continue vigorous oversight of agreements the Obama Administration enters into with Iran, despite disapproval by Congress and the American people," said LoBiondo, Chairman of the House CIA Subcommittee.

Source