"We're now in a position where Iran has agreed to unprecedented inspections and verifications of its program."
President Barack Obama
Skepticism remains in the United States and Iran about the framework agreement reached last week regarding the latter's nuclear program. Many in Congress are wary of Iran, including some of Connecticut's lawmakers.
Meanwhile, in a speech on state TV to mark Iran's national nuclear technology day, President Hassan Rouhani said the deal will be signed, only if "all sanctions are lifted the first day of implementation." Later in the day, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei re-iterated his distrust of the U.S. and its allies.
Back in the U.S., President Barack Obama has been making the media rounds to defend the framework agreement, including on NPR.
"We're now in a position where Iran has agreed to unprecedented inspections and verifications of its program, providing assurances that it is peaceful in nature," Obama said. "You have them rolling back a number of pathways that they currently have available to break out and get a nuclear weapon. You have assurances that their stockpile of highly enriched uranium remains in a place where they cannot create a nuclear weapon."
When the framework was first announced, some in Congress raised objections. And although many support the measure, they want the deal to be ratified by the legislative branch.
Here is what Connecticut's Congressional delegation says about the framework:
"Those who are critical of today's framework have the responsibility to present a serious, credible alternative."
Sen. Chris Murphy
Sen. Chris Murphy:
"A comprehensive diplomatic agreement remains the best way to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, and this agreement demonstrates the political will exists to complete a final deal by the July deadline.
"We all agree that a final agreement must prevent a nuclear Iran, and a senior State Department official assured me again this afternoon that negotiators in the room share that belief.
"I will continue urging my senate colleagues to allow negotiators to represent the United States’ best interests without taking action that would, intentionally or not, jeopardize the discussions taking place. Those who are critical of today’s framework have the responsibility to present a serious, credible alternative that would get us to our ultimate goal: achieving a nuclear-free Iran in a way that doesn’t require another war in the Middle East."
"As a supporter of strong and strengthening sanctions, I believe these strictly-enforced economic measures brought Iran to the table."
Sen. Richard Blumenthal
Sen. Richard Blumenthal:
"This framework may reflect progress towards stopping a nuclear-armed Iran – a vital national interest – but it must be carefully reviewed and assessed. As a supporter of strong and strengthening sanctions, I believe these strictly-enforced economic measures brought Iran to the table. My views on best next steps will depend on an in-depth review of the framework’s details.
"Although I have reservations about gaps in this framework, I continue to hope for diplomatic efforts that lead to a final agreement that is airtight, comprehensive, enduring and strictly verifiable. I will advocate that Congress have an appropriate role in scrutinizing this framework and any final agreement."
"We must keep in mind that America is but one nation in a global push for peace."
Rep. John Larson
Rep. John Larson (CT-1):
"Having a framework in place is an imperative step towards accomplishing one of the highest foreign policy priorities of the United States: ensuring Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon. Obviously there is still more work to be done. Our negotiators along with Secretary of State John Kerry must continue to push for additional concessions on the technical agreements required to both ensure the durability of the framework and eliminate any chance of Iran militarizing a civil nuclear program. This is not the time for complacency.
"That being said, we must keep in mind that America is but one nation in a global push for peace. I have long advocated that Russia and China share an equal responsibility to ensure a peaceful outcome, and they should continue to work with us to prevent negotiations from deteriorating. So too must Iran recognize its own role in establishing a more peaceful Middle East. We cannot do this alone.
"There was a time when opposition to the president ended at our country's shores. In that spirit, I urge my colleagues in Congress to stand with the Obama Administration and present a united front as they push forward in the negotiation process."
"The inclusion of strong inspection and transparency requirements through the IAEA is a welcome development after years of obstruction by Iran."
Rep. Joe Courtney
Rep. Joe Courtney (CT-2):
"With this framework in place, Congress must exercise its responsibility to review the details of the agreement over the coming months to ensure that its targets are backed by sufficient enforcement and vigilance and that this is an agreement that serves U.S. national security and the well-being of our close allies in the region.
"I am encouraged by what I have learned thus far about the proposed restrictions on Iranian nuclear enrichment, which emerged after years of tough sanctions on Iran imposed by President Obama and our allies, and backed by the United States Congress. In addition, the inclusion of strong inspection and transparency requirements through the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is a welcome development after years of obstruction by Iran."
"Many of the details still need to be worked out and there are many reasons to be wary of the Iranian regime."
Rep. Rosa DeLauro
Rep. Rosa DeLauro (CT-3):
"In a region where armed conflict is all too common we must continue to use our strength as an international leader to guide discussion toward a solution that promotes our interests, the security of our allies and prevents a nuclear Iran. This framework is an important first step towards that goal that demonstrates the political will on all sides to reach an agreement.
"Many of the details still need to be worked out and there are many reasons to be wary of the Iranian regime. But I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress and the Administration to ensure that the final agreement contains the highest standards to keep Iran accountable, allows for rigorous international inspections and ensures that Iran will not have access to nuclear weapons."
"A final agreement must safeguard the United States and our allies in the Middle East, particularly Israel, from advancement of Iranian military nuclear technology."
Rep. Jim Himes
Rep. Jim Himes (CT-4):
"I am encouraged by the apparent progress in the P5+1 negotiations with Iran and will scrupulously review the framework announced today by President Obama to curtail Iran’s dangerous nuclear ambitions. A final agreement must safeguard the United States and our allies in the Middle East, particularly Israel, from advancement of Iranian military nuclear technology and include aggressive verification procedures and complete transparency from the regime.
"In the coming weeks and months, I will review the proposed agreement, ask the tough questions of the Administration as it makes its case for the final deal, and urge all my colleagues to act in a clearheaded, careful and non-partisan way as they consider this most serious of national security challenges."
"My priority is ensuring that this framework and the final deal can verifiably achieve our ultimate goal: preventing a nuclear-armed Iran."
Rep. Elizabeth Esty
Rep. Elizabeth Esty (CT-5):
"As I begin to review this agreement, my priority is ensuring that this framework and the final deal can verifiably achieve our ultimate goal: preventing a nuclear-armed Iran.
"I urge my colleagues in Congress and the Obama Administration to work together in a united approach, combining aggressive economic sanctions and smart diplomacy to build international pressure and, ultimately, prevent a nuclear Iran in the most effective, peaceful means possible."
