Last month, the United States, Iran and other world powers reached a historic agreement–called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action— regarding Iran’s nuclear weapons program. Since the agreement was announced, prominent scientists, military leaders, human rights activists, and politicians have come out in favor of the deal.
The next step is for the United States Congress to vote upon the deal. They will be voting in September.
So you may be wondering, what are some of the points agreed upon?
Some of the major points in the deal:
- Iran will sacrifice two-thirds of its ability to enrich uranium, which is the process used to make a nuclear bomb
- Iran will export a majority of its low-enriched uranium
- The Fordow enrichment plant–built secretly inside a mountain–will be converted into a research center
- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will have more powers to monitor Iran’s nuclear plants and other facilities
- Once the IAEA has confirmed that Iran is following protocols, the U.S. and other nations will lift nuclear-related economic sanctions
- Iran will remain under a UN arms embargo for another five years; and restrictions will remain on its ballistic missile program for another eight years
This Telegraph article is a great resource with a bit more detail and information about the Iran deal if you’re interested in learning more.
And where do the Missouri senators stand on the deal? Below are statements made by Senators McCaskill and Blunt:
- Senator Claire McCaskill: “. . . I believe it likely that the sanctions regime would fray and nothing would be worse than Iran getting an influx of resources without any agreement in place to limit their ability to get a nuclear weapon. This deal isn’t perfect and no one trusts Iran, but it has become clear to me that the world is united behind this agreement . . . I have become convinced that it is more dangerous to Israel, America and our allies to walk away in the face of unified world-wide support.”
- Senator Roy Blunt: “Today’s announcement marks a dangerous step forward in the advancement of Iran’s illicit nuclear program . . . This is a bad deal for the United States and one that will embolden our adversaries and jeopardize the security of our allies. The stated goal of the negotiations was to ensure Iran never develops the capability to produce a nuclear weapon, yet the president agreed to a deal that does the opposite . . . This deal undermines the security of our friends and allies and legitimizes Iran’s unapologetic sponsorship of terrorism throughout the Middle East.”
This Washington Post article has a record of senators’ statements and a count of who has come out in favor and who is opposing the deal.
It is vital that we let our senators know that we support the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Though it is a not a perfect deal, it is the best chance the world has of reducing Iran’s ability to build a nuclear weapon, and the best chance the world has to prevent another military intervention in the Middle East. Please take the time to contact your senators using this link. Thank Senator McCaskill for voting yes, and ask Senator Blunt to support this historic agreement.
Peace is possible, but we need your support and help. Please contact Missouri senators today. Time is running out.
