Kohl Campaign: Iran deal decertification threatens U.S. national security

Grafton – Today’s announcement that Donald Trump will refuse to certify that the ongoing implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is in the national security interest of the United States represents dangerous political games. The goal of American national security policy should be keeping the United States and the world safe. That demands ensuring all pathways to a nuclear Iran remain blocked. Sadly, it appears this move is largely a politically driven decision meant to undue steps taken by the last Administration.

Iran remains a leading sponsor of terror and regional instability as well as a sworn enemy of the Jewish state, underscoring the importance of keeping them from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Under the terms of this nuclear nonproliferation agreement, Iran agreed to remove virtually all of their enriched uranium, dismantle most of their centrifuges, and fill their plutonium reactor with concrete. The IAEA, based on the most intrusive inspections in their history, has reported 8 times that Iran has met its obligations under the terms of the deal. All of our negotiating partners agree with the IAEA assessment that Iran is in full compliance with the JCPOA. The Trump administration has twice previously certified Iranian compliance.

This move comes against the strong advice of national security experts from both sides of the aisle, military leaders, Israeli security experts, and even original opponents of the agreement. Defense Secretary James Mattis affirmed that he believes it is in our national security interests to remain within the deal. Ed Royce, House Foreign Affairs Chairman said that “As flawed as the deal is, I believe we must now enforce the hell out of it.” Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, also critical of the original deal, said that it would now be a “mistake” for the United States to pull out of the deal, adding that such a move would leave the US standing alone.

“Today the world has become more unstable and less safe.  America’s word now means less to our allies and to our enemies alike, and our diplomatic credibility has been seriously damaged.” said business executive and non-profit leader Dan Kohl. “The chances of resolving the nuclear crisis with North Korea through nonmilitary means has also been significantly lessened.”

“Responsibility now passes to Congress to prevent this instigator of terror, regional instability and sworn enemy of Israel from returning toward a path of acquiring nuclear weapons. I call on Glenn Grothman to join me in opposing the reimposition of nuclear-related sanctions which would cause America to be the one to break the agreement, hurting our diplomatic credibility and freeing Iran to move toward acquiring a nuclear weapon.”