Hoyer Statement on President Trump’s Decision to Decertify the JCPOA
Press Types
Press Release
For Immediate Release:
October 13, 2017
Contact Info:
Mariel Saez 202-225-3130
WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after President Trump announced he would not recertify Iran’s compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action:
"The President's action today to decertify Iran’s compliance with the JCPOA is unjustified by the facts. It runs counter to the broad consensus – including the clearly stated view of the President’s own foreign policy team – that Iran has, in fact, complied with the terms of the agreement.
"It is the policy of the United States that a nuclear-armed Iran – now or at any time in the future – is unacceptable. It is appropriate for the Congress to act to support and encourage international efforts, in conjunction with our European allies, to further that policy. However, as long as Iran is in compliance, such efforts should not violate the terms of the JCPOA.
"There is agreement among Congress, the President, and the international community that the Iranian regime continues to violate international law, support terrorism, destabilize the region, and undermine the human rights of its people. We must work with our allies to confront and end these illegal and dangerous actions.
"Among other steps, the President should enforce the Iran sanctions passed by Congress in July to counter Iran’s malevolent behavior. Furthermore, the President ought to work with our allies to strictly enforce the JCPOA and take steps to ensure the conflict in Syria does not lead to an Iranian military presence on Israel’s borders.
"Unfortunately, today’s action may make confronting Iran’s nuclear ambitions and other threatening behaviors more difficult."
"The President's action today to decertify Iran’s compliance with the JCPOA is unjustified by the facts. It runs counter to the broad consensus – including the clearly stated view of the President’s own foreign policy team – that Iran has, in fact, complied with the terms of the agreement.
"It is the policy of the United States that a nuclear-armed Iran – now or at any time in the future – is unacceptable. It is appropriate for the Congress to act to support and encourage international efforts, in conjunction with our European allies, to further that policy. However, as long as Iran is in compliance, such efforts should not violate the terms of the JCPOA.
"There is agreement among Congress, the President, and the international community that the Iranian regime continues to violate international law, support terrorism, destabilize the region, and undermine the human rights of its people. We must work with our allies to confront and end these illegal and dangerous actions.
"Among other steps, the President should enforce the Iran sanctions passed by Congress in July to counter Iran’s malevolent behavior. Furthermore, the President ought to work with our allies to strictly enforce the JCPOA and take steps to ensure the conflict in Syria does not lead to an Iranian military presence on Israel’s borders.
"Unfortunately, today’s action may make confronting Iran’s nuclear ambitions and other threatening behaviors more difficult."