Iran

In 2015, the United States and five other nations reached an agreement known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and commonly referred to as the Iran Nuclear Deal, requiring Iran to restrict their nuclear enrichment program while the United States would ease some of the sanctions on Iran’s economy. Though some have argued that a new president in Iran means a new way forward, President Hasan Rouhani is little more than a new face on the world stage. Unfortunately, Iran’s hostile intentions towards the United States and our allies are unlikely to differ from the past decade. Iran’s theocratic government provides the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei the final say on all major policy decisions, including nuclear programs and foreign relations.

Secretary of State John Kerry was charged with leading negotiations with Iran. Unfortunately, Secretary Kerry failed to achieve any of the safeguards necessary to call this deal a success. Ultimately, Iran walked away achieving all of its objectives without changing its rogue behavior. This is not a step forward. It is more of the same.

The JCPOA does not change the fact that Iran poses a clear and present danger to the entire world. Because of Iran’s demonstrated hostile intentions, I have aggressively supported Congressional efforts to increase sanctions on Iran. I believe a nuclear Iran is a significant roadblock to peace in the region. It is also an unacceptable security risk to the United States and the world.