Issue Position: Iran Nuclear Agreement

Issue Position

Congressman Lynch firmly believes that ensuring Iran does not produce or obtain a nuclear weapon must be among the United States' highest priorities in the Middle East. Such a development would have the potential to cause significant regional instability and pose considerable risks to our allies and interests. It is because of the high stakes involved for the region and for the world that Congressman Lynch decided to support the diplomatic, multilateral approach taken by the U.S. and our coalition partners that resulted in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

After careful consideration, Congressman Lynch has come to the decision that the Iran nuclear deal presents the U.S. with a unique opportunity to peacefully, and with global support, ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon. He intends to fully support its implementation. This decision was not one that was reached lightly. Following careful review of the text of the agreement, its annexes, and classified materials; hearing testimony presented before the Financial Service Committee's Task Force on Anti-Terrorism & Proliferation Financing; and numerous classified and unclassified briefings on the deal from experts and Administration officials, Congressman Lynch decided to support the deal.

Congressman Lynch is acutely aware of the risks presented by entering into this agreement: Iran continues to support terrorism and has been opaque about its nuclear program. However, this agreement does not in any way require the U.S. or any of its negotiating partners to trust Iran. The Iran nuclear deal hinges on the adoption and implementation of strict International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspection, monitoring, and guidance procedures. In addition, any sanctions relief granted to Iran is contingent on IAEA confirmation that Iran is complying with its obligations.

This agreement came about through a global effort. The fact that the U.S. and its negotiating partners, some of whom have very disparate interests, were able to come together to press Iran with crippling multilateral sanctions that brought it back to the negotiating table, and then reach an accord, is a significant achievement. Congressman Lynch knows that this will not be an easy undertaking and that it is necessary to proceed with care and prudence, but he believes we must move forward.

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