Robert Hurt statement on Iran nuclear preliminary agreement

Congressman Robert Hurt (R-Virginia) released the following statement after the news that the United States, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United Kingdom reached a preliminary agreement with Iran on its nuclear program:

“The prospect of Iran gaining the capability to produce a nuclear weapon is one of the most grave global threats we face as a nation, and it must be our policy to do everything within our power to prevent this from happening.  For decades, Iran has unequivocally stated its desire to see the complete destruction of the United States and our ally Israel, and allowing Iran to achieve the nuclear capabilities it seeks poses an existential threat to the world.

“I have serious concerns about the nuclear agreement framework the United States, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United Kingdom made with Iran today, and I will continue to monitor the negotiations as we wait for more specific details.  Given their nuclear ambitions, I am skeptical that Iran will act in good faith and adhere to any of these terms.  I believe that Congress must conduct rigorous oversight on this deal and continue our efforts to impose the full force of sanctions authorized by Congress to maintain pressure on Iran to abandon its nuclear aspirations.  The American people and their representatives in Congress must immediately be afforded the opportunity to meaningfully participate in this debate to ensure that the American people have a voice in this process.  I remain committed to doing everything within our power to keep Iran from gaining nuclear capabilities.”