Pallone Statement on Trump Withdrawal from Iran Deal

Washington, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) released the following statement after President Trump announced that he would withdraw the United States from the Iran Deal.

"After careful and measured consideration, in 2015 I voted in support of the agreement between the United States, our international partners, and Iran because it was the most effective means available to monitor Iran's nuclear program and peacefully prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. The United States was not naïve in negotiating that agreement. Iran has long had the desire for nuclear capability, and its past is checkered with dishonesty, blatant support for terrorist organizations in the region, and illegal tests of ballistic missiles. The agreement is not perfect, but it is our best chance to preserve peace and security. President Trump has yet to explain what the credible alternative is to the deal, or fully demonstrate that it understands the consequences of walking away.

"The decision to withdraw from the Iran deal undercuts our allies like Great Britain, France, and Germany who have joined this initiative and continue to express their desire to remain in the agreement. President Trump is once again pursuing a policy based on extreme ideology rather than practical considerations and the United States will now be left with fewer opportunities to curb the development of nuclear weapons in Iran. With the Trump Administration arbitrarily deciding to end this imperfect, but essential deal, it has abdicated its leadership in this area, making it essential for Congress to step forward and push the administration to maintain the deals we have committed to around the world."