Stanton Statement on U.S.-Iran Agreement

WASHINGTON DC – Today, U.S. Representative Greg Stanton (D-Ariz) issued the following statement: “Trump’s war-of-choice in Iran was a disaster waiting to happen. He never should have started this conflict, and this agreement proves it. More than 100 days later, his recklessness has left Americans poorer, weaker, and less safe. Trump bragged he could get a stronger deal than the JCPOA. He did not. He tore up an agreement that had Iran’s nuclear program under real limits with inspectors in place. He chose war instead, and left Americans to pay the price: fourteen servicemembers’ lives lost, hundreds more wounded, billions of taxpayer dollars wasted, and higher costs at home. This “deal” isn’t a deal at all. Trump is making massive concessions, all before Iran has made a single lasting commitment on its nuclear program. The deal hands the Iranian regime $300 billion, lifts sanctions on Iran’s oil industry, and gives Iran access to its frozen funds for reopening the Strait of Hormuz — a waterway that was open before the war began. It secures no guarantee American and allied vessels will be able to pass permanently toll-free. And to make matters worse, Trump’s war only hardened Iran’s radical leadership. At the end of the day, we are back to the same position we were in when we tried to get a deal with Iran on its nuclear program back in February. Congress must be briefed on the agreement immediately, but it’s clear the Administration has work to do to strengthen this deal over the 60-day ceasefire period.”