CÁRDENAS STATEMENT ON IRAN NEGOTIATIONS
CÁRDENAS STATEMENT ON IRAN NEGOTIATIONS
I am disappointed that the negotiations have not produced an agreement to end Iran’s nuclear program in the year since the adoption of the Joint Plan of Action in Geneva in 2013. However, I remain hopeful a diplomatic solution will ultimately be achieved with the announced extension and commitment to continue negotiating until the new deadline, June 30, 2015. Iran must recognize that negotiations cannot continue indefinitely. Congress and the American people cannot accept a deal that does not prevent an Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. There must be independent verifiable evidence that Iran is living up to its end of the bargain in any agreement that is reached.
We must also push for a strong agreement to ensure the security and integrity of our allies and partners in the region. An Iranian nuclear weapon threatens a delicate balance in the Middle East and could spark a dangerous arms race. I will continue to monitor the ongoing discussions and work with my colleagues in the 114th Congress on legislation to build new sanctions to encourage a timely settlement.