Rep. Huffman Statement on Trump’s Withdrawal from Iran Nuclear Agreement

May 09, 2018

Washington, D.C.- In response to President Trump’s announcement that he will withdraw the United States from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and renew economic sanctions on Iran, Rep. Huffman (D-San Rafael) issued the following statement:

“President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the JCPOA is one of his most reckless and self-destructive decisions yet. This dangerous ‘go it alone’ mentality sets back our work with allies to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran, and it undermines any future negotiations to bring a peaceful resolution in North Korea.

“By withdrawing from the JCPOA, an agreement that included far-reaching inspections and verifications, President Trump is throwing away the only tool we have available to us to peacefully block Iran’s pursuit of a nuclear weapon through a unique multinational, anti-proliferation alliance. The decision to reimpose economic sanctions on Iran — when France and Germany have said they would continue with the agreement — puts our country at odds with some of our nation’s closest allies. Our intelligence agencies agree that Iran has been in compliance with the agreement since its outset, and the JCPOA helped open the diplomatic channels that helped free prisoners, like my constituent, Jason Rezaian. Instead of throwing away our credibility to negotiate lasting international agreements, as President Trump has done today, America should be joining with our allies to defend the JCPOA, block Iran’s pursuit of a nuclear weapon, and ensure the safety and freedom of others who are still being illegally held in Iran.

“Today’s decision by President Trump to give up America’s moral and diplomatic high ground in Iran is particularly dangerous because he has now announced that America’s agreements are not binding, which makes the North Korean situation even more difficult. President Trump and his advisors are imitating President George W. Bush’s reckless go-it alone approach that sparked an unnecessary, destabilizing, and ongoing war in the Middle East. We should not carelessly abandon our agreements, turn our backs on our allies, and neglect our responsibilities to promote security and protect human rights.”

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