Pascrell Statement on President Trump’s Refusal to Certify the Iran Nuclear Deal

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ) issued the following statement in reaction to President Trump’s announcement that he will not certify the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA, or Iran nuclear deal) under the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act (INARA):

“The Trump Administration seems unable to handle one nuclear crisis in Asia and now is charting a path to another in the Middle East. Regardless of your position on the Iran nuclear agreement, the reality is that it is in place. While I know this administration prefers its alternative facts, the truth is the agreement ensured Iran’s nuclear program is and remains peaceful. The deal pushed back Iran’s breakout time, removed tens of thousands of pounds of enriched uranium out of Iran, dismantled its heavy water reactor, and established unprecedented access to its nuclear facilities and supply chain.

“I’m no fan of Iran or its destabilizing actions in the region. I have supported tough sanctions on its nuclear program and sanctions to check its aggression around the world. While we must stay vigilant to push back against Iran’s support for terrorist activities, we must not risk the United States’ reputation by conflating this with its nuclear program. Keeping our eye on the ball is what brought Iran and our allies in the international community together to prevent another country from developing a nuclear weapon.

“Unfortunately, President Trump does not see or understand this. He thinks his judgment is better than nuclear inspectors, his own intelligence agencies, and our nation’s top military officials who report that Iran is in compliance with the agreement.”