Congresswoman Matsui Statement on Iran Nuclear Agreement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 11, 2015
CONTACT: JULIE EDDY
(202) 225-7163
Congresswoman Matsui Statement on Iran Nuclear Agreement
Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-06) released the following statement, announcing her support for the Iranian nuclear deal:
"After deep and careful consideration, I have decided to support the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action agreed upon by the P5+1 and Iran. I have not arrived at this decision lightly. Although the agreement is not perfect, it is our best option to block Iran's path to a nuclear weapon. I firmly believe that the consequences of walking away from this deal are greater than the risks of accepting it.
"My top priority is and will always be the safety and security of the United States. A nuclear armed Iran would pose a risk to the United States, our close ally Israel, and other nations around the world. That is intolerable.
"The agreement contains the framework for ensuring that Iran does not accumulate the material needed to create a nuclear weapon. Its rigorous and unprecedented inspection protocols permit the International Atomic Energy Agency to use advanced safeguards technologies and provide us with access to Iran's nuclear infrastructure from top to bottom, making it difficult for Iran to develop a hidden program. These verification mechanisms increase American security, the security of all of our allies, and our close partner Israel, while enhancing our strategic position in the region. Trust is not a basis for this deal. This deal is based on rigorous, intrusive inspections and enforcement of all the agreed upon protocols.
"With Iran's past actions in mind, I must emphasize that our work does not stop if this deal is accepted. I call on President Obama to step up intelligence-gathering in the region, demonstrate that the United States will not tolerate Iranian support for destructive actors, and increase cooperation with Israel. It is also vital that the Administration prevents Iran from even marginal or incremental breaches of the agreement.
"Diplomacy is hard; it takes patience and time. Its purpose is to bring conflicts to a peaceful solution. This agreement works toward that goal while leaving all options on the table.
"I believe that this historic agreement offers us the best path forward to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. For this reason, I will support the JCPOA when it is considered by Congress in September."
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