WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement on the introduction of the Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act on Thursday:
“I share the President’s sincere hope that the interim agreement with Iran may result in a comprehensive final agreement that eliminates the possibility of Iran developing a nuclear weapon capability and protects the national security interests of the United States and our vital allies. The bipartisan legislation introduced today, of which I am an original cosponsor, gives the administration the flexibility it needs to continue negotiating with Iran and our international partners, but also ensures Congress will have sanctions at the ready should Iran violate the agreement or negotiations fail.
“After an array of classified briefings and discussions with U.S. and international leaders, I am convinced that the strong sanctions imposed by the U.S. and international community brought Iran to the negotiating table, and I remain strongly supportive of their ongoing implementation and enforcement. This is why I support legislation proposing additional sanctions to be implemented by the administration if Iran breaches the Joint Plan of Action, takes other action inconsistent with the agreement, or if no final agreement is reached.
“The bill provides the administration with an opportunity to suspend and eventually waive sanctions for up to a year, so long as Iran continues to negotiate in good faith and does not violate the interim deal. If a final agreement is reached that dismantles Iran’s illicit nuclear infrastructure, brings Iran into compliance with U.N. Security Council resolutions, and satisfies other conditions, new sanctions may be suspended.
“As lawmakers, we have no greater responsibility than to ensure that the United States pursues policies that maximize our security interests, as well as those of our allies. This legislation is consistent with that responsibility, and I believe, will improve the chances of reaching a final agreement with Iran that will eliminate its illicit nuclear program.”