KMA Land - Young Questions Iran Nuke Deal

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by Mike Peterson

Iowa Congressman David Young remains skeptical of the deal reached on Iran's nuclear program.

In his weekly interview on KMA News Wednesday morning, the Van Meter Republican said the agreement reached between the United States and Iran was only a framework, and the deadline for a final agreement has been extended until June 30th. The deal is also subject to congressional approval, and Young says he wants to see the agreement's details before making any decision.

"I have been skeptical," said Young, "particularly because of Iran's past history, their record, and lack of transparency. They change deals as they fall apart. There's a lack of accountability. We need to make sure that there's open and unfettered access to inspections, and that inspections can be made at any time, under any circumstances or conditions. I want to see these sanctions stay in place as long as possible."

In addition to regular inspections of Iran's nuclear facilities, the agreement calls for reductions in uranium enrichment, preventing the country from building a nuclear weapon. Still, Young says the fact that Iran possess uranium is enough of a concern.

"This lowly, enriched uranium--it sounds harmless," he said. "but it's about 70% on its way to become weapons-grade uranium. so it can be changed into that weapons-grade uranium in a fashion that shouldn't be done, of course, because of what the agreement outlines. But, even if they dilute it, it can be reversed, as well, and turned back in weapons-grade uranium. So, we need to know where this stuff goes, and who has it."

Young supports a bill proposed by Tennessee Senator Bob Corker, which would delay any agreement by 60 days to allow for congressional examination and debate. He says Congress must be involved in any decision regarding Iran.

"This agreement is kind of like a treaty in a way," Young said, "and Congress needs to have a role in this. We have to have a leg up on this in Congress. When we work together, that's a good thing. And we have to work together on this. This is too big of deal to be part of a president's legacy if he's going out of office."

Critics accuse Republicans of micromanaging U.S. foreign policy, even advocating war against Iran. Young disagrees.

"I'm not looking for war," he said, "and I don't know anybody who's looking for war with Iran. Iran is talking about war--they're talking about war against Israel, death to America. That's not what we're talking about in America."

Young has been touring Iowa's 3rd district during the congressional recess.

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