Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement in response to President Trump’s announcement the United States will re-impose sanctions and violate the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, an international agreement to prevent Iran from building a nuclear weapon:

“Last month, Secretary Mattis said staying in the Iran Deal is in America’s national interest. I agree. The president’s decision to withdraw from the Iran Deal is bad for national security and bad for U.S. credibility. The deal was the product of intense negotiations among U.S. allies and rivals and forces Iran to give up much of its nuclear infrastructure and nuclear material.

“As part of the agreement, Iran must submit to intrusive inspections in return for relief for sanctions. The International Atomic Energy Agency, the organization tasked with verifying the deal, has certified that Iran is complying with the requirements. 

“If a change in administration causes the United States to renege on a successful international agreement, why would any country pursue future negotiations with the U.S.?

“The president has the responsibility to lay out a realistic strategy if he wants to replace the Iran Deal. He cannot simply boast that he would have negotiated a better deal.”

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