May 08, 2019

Castro Statement on Iran

WASHINGTON—Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Vice Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and a member of the House Intelligence and Education and Labor Committees, released the following statement today in response to Iran announcing it will not comply with aspects of the landmark nuclear deal:

“The Trump Administration’s recklessness has prompted Iran to seek a renegotiated version of the landmark nuclear accord. This Administration, which has spurned diplomacy over the course of the last year, has weakened American credibility in the Middle East and elsewhere. At a time when the need for discipline and expertise is acute, President Trump has shown that he has no strategy. The President has developed no contingency plans, expressed how or why withdrawal from The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) would improve our national security, or laid the groundwork to prevent any form of armed conflict. Decorated military heroes, retired generals and diplomats have thrown their full, bipartisan support behind the effectiveness of the JCPOA in maintaining our broader national security in the Middle East.

“Our allies have worked tirelessly to maintain this nuclear deal and actions from this Administration are undercutting those efforts. Repealing without replacement does not make for good foreign policy. By abdicating our global responsibility, this Administration has raised the likelihood that Iran moves forward with its nuclear program, destabilized the Middle East, and shown that, under President Trump, the United States no longer wishes to lead.

“I strongly advise this Administration to remember that Congress–and Congress alone–has the power to declare war. Withdrawing from the JCPOA and stoking hostility makes it harder for negotiating partners to trust that America honors its word. I caution the President to heed sound advice, work to contain these escalating tensions, and finally prioritize our national interests.”

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