Rep. Scott Peters’ Statement on Iran Agreement Votes

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) released the following statement about today’s votes on the internationally-negotiated Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) P5+1 agreement between the United States, Russia, China, our European Allies, and Iran:

“Today, we somberly remember the lives lost, and those forever changed, on September 11, 2001. We owe it to these Americans, and to all those who then fought and died in the wars that ensued after, to defeat and stop the most deadly threat of our time, in the smartest, toughest way possible.

“As horrific as the tragedies of 9/11 were, a nuclear-armed Iran could lead to devastation that could well dwarf the horrors of that day. This agreement is the best way to immediately prevent this from happening for at least 15 years.

“Make no mistake, without this agreement, Iran will build a bomb and we may be forced to again send our sons and daughters to fight another devastating war in the Middle East. With this agreement, we maintain the option of a military strike, but it is not our first, or only option.

“The United States of America possesses the most formidable military in the world. It is this might -- along with the strength of our partner nations -- that stands behind this agreement, which seeks peace first, and war last.

“However, should Iran break this peace by reneging on its obligations, the President himself has said, that America will not hesitate to unleash the full force of our military might in retaliation.

“Let us honor the events of 14 years ago by learning from our past mistakes, and by requiring one of the most dangerous regimes in the world to give up its shot at a nuclear weapon without risking American lives.”

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