Blog: Congresswoman Clarke's Statement on President Rouhani's Renunciation of Iran's Nuclear Weapons Program

Statement

Brooklyn, NY - Representative Yvette D. Clarke issued the following statement on claims by the President Hassan Rouhani of Iran that his nation would not attempt to develop nuclear weapons.

"I am cautiously optimistic about recent statements from the President Rouhani, in which he disclaimed any attempts to create nuclear weapons.

"But I agree with President Obama that President Rouhani must demonstrate the truth of these statements with actions, which should include the suspension of uranium enrichment, heavy water activity, and the installation of new centrifuges, to establish that he intends to negotiate in good faith. In addition, international inspectors should have access to the Parchin Military Facility, a possible testing site for nuclear explosions.

"The removal of sanctions before Iran has demonstrated its good faith would undermine the security of the United States and its allies, such as Israel. We must maintain a policy of caution. As a member of the Committee on Homeland Security, I will continue to work with President Obama and my colleagues in the House of Representatives to eliminate any potential threats to our security."

Representative Clarke voted for the Nuclear Iran Prevention Act of 2013, which increased sanctions on Iran in an effort to convince the nation's leaders to discontinue their development of nuclear weapons.

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