WASHINGTON, DC— Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) released the following statement on President Trump’s likely withdrawal from the JCPOA:
“Yesterday, according to the Washington Post, sources indicated that President Trump would take initial steps toward ending the United States’ agreement with Iran to halt the development of nuclear weapons. By declaring the JCPOA to be against the United States’ national interest, and refusing to acknowledge Iranian compliance with the agreement by October 15th, the President could undo years of delicate negotiations and greatly increase the likelihood of a nuclear Iran. This would be a dangerous and shortsighted decision.
“The JCPOA is working. You don’t have to take my word for it – the President’s Secretary of Defense, James Mattis, said the agreement is in the United States’ national security interest and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, said the agreement has “delayed the development of a nuclear capability by Iran.” We also have means of independent verification through international inspectors and both our intelligence apparatus and those of our allies. There is simply no reasonable doubt that Iran is further away from a nuclear weapon now than if this deal had not gone into effect.
“Additionally, as we face down the threat of a nuclear North Korea, we must have access to every diplomatic option in order to ensure the best outcome. If we withdraw from the Iran deal, we disincentivize North Korea from peaceful resolution. Our adherence to binding agreements is the bedrock of our international standing. With that eroded, our ability to bring Kim Jong Un to the bargaining table is lessened, and armed conflict becomes more likely.
“I sincerely hope that the President, who has put so much stock in surrounding himself with great military strategists, will heed their advice and stay the course on the JCPOA for a safer world.”
(Congressman Jim Himes Press Release)
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