One of the gravest global threats that we as a nation face is the prospect of Iran gaining the capability to produce a nuclear weapon, and it must be the policy of the United States to do everything within its power to prevent this from happening.
Last Monday, November 24, 2014, Iran and the P5+1 nations, which include the United States, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United Kingdom, failed for a second time this year to resolve negotiations surrounding Iran’s nuclear program and extended the talks for an additional seven months. This should not come as a surprise.
It is just one more sign that Iran has no interest in seriously negotiating the end of its nuclear program and that it is steadfast in its intention of manufacturing nuclear weapons. Indeed, this seven-month extension only gives this dictatorial regime more time and resources to develop its nuclear weapons program.
Stopping a nuclear Iran is among the most important long-term national security issues we face, and President Obama’s handling of this sensitive national security threat has thus far been disappointing. For decades Iran has unequivocally stated its desire to see the complete destruction of the United States and our ally Israel. While Iran insists that it seeks the development of a nuclear program for peaceful domestic purposes, it instead works in the shadows to develop weapons capable of delivering mass destruction.
Over the past year, Iran has been unwilling to make necessary compromises, and there is little reason to believe this will change over the next seven months. This extension, like all of the others, only leaves the door open for the Obama administration to make more concessions to the Iranian regime and to allow Iran to avoid full implementation of the severe sanctions authorized by Congress. Any such concession is simply unacceptable.
This week, the House of Representatives will consider the United States-Israel Strategic Partnership Act of 2014, which, if enacted, will strengthen the strategic partnership between Israel and the United States. This critical legislation not only designates Israel a “major strategic partner” of the United States, but also expands U.S.-Israeli cooperation in areas such as defense, intelligence and homeland security. Such legislation is vital, but it is not enough. The Obama administration must do everything within its power to stop Iran from gaining nuclear weapons capabilities. I remain committed to enhancing the necessary sanctions against the Iranian regime and to demanding full accountability from the Obama administration regarding the U.S. role in these negotiations.
If you need any additional information or if we may be of assistance to you, please visit my website at hurt.house.gov or call my Washington office: (202) 225-4711, Charlottesville office: (434) 973-9631, Danville office: (434) 791-2596, or Farmville office: (434) 395-0120.
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