Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, released the following statement today about the agreement that the U.S. and other negotiating countries have reached to prevent Iran from building a nuclear weapon.

“The agreement the Administration announced that aims to prevent Iran from gaining a nuclear weapon represents a pivotal step following many months of effort. I applaud the hard work and perseverance that President Obama and his team dedicated to reaching this agreement through diplomacy. It is clear the administration took a firm negotiating position.  

“Now that the agreement is complete, Congress should give the text a careful review to ensure the agreement protects U.S. interests. I am hopeful my colleagues in Congress will treat this agreement with the seriousness and attention it deserves.

“I assess that the agreement is based on verifying Iran’s actions to uphold the terms of the deal, not on trusting the country’s commitment to peaceful nuclear activities. The deal allows international inspectors access to Iran’s nuclear supply chain and facilities to verify Iran’s progress. And under the agreement, Iran must greatly reduce its nuclear materials stockpile to a level below what is needed to create a bomb.

“Now the burden is on Iran to open up its nuclear operations and carry out the terms of the agreement. Only when inspectors confirm Iran is following through with the agreement will the country get any sanctions relief.

“Reaching a diplomatic agreement with Iran does not tie our country’s hands in any way. Should Iran break the deal, all options remain on the table,” Larsen said.

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