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Pelosi Statement on Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action

October 11, 2017

Contact: Ashley Etienne/Henry Connelly, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released this statement after Democrats received a high-level briefing from Former Secretary of State John Kerry, Former Secretary of the Treasury Jack Lew, Former Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz, Former Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman, Ambassador Gérard Araud, Ambassador Kim Darroch, Ambassador Peter Wittig and Ambassador David O'Sullivan on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, known as the Iran Nuclear Agreement:

"Experts agree that the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action remains the best way to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Failing to certify the Iran Nuclear Agreement would be a spectacularly dangerous and reckless decision that puts America's national security at risk and the catastrophic threat of a nuclear-armed Iran back on the table.

"Democrats have no illusions about the conduct of the Iranian regime. But destroying the JCPOA would be a gift to the most radical and dangerous elements in Iran. The agreement has set up the toughest international monitoring regime ever enacted. The JCPOA has also allowed the international community to make progress in holding Iran accountable for its continued support for terrorism and its many human rights violations.

"Recklessly upending the JCPOA without cause would be a grave mistake that would endanger American lives and destabilize the Middle East. If the Administration carries out its reckless threat to refuse to recertify the agreement, the U.S. Congress must demonstrate strong and smart leadership to protect America's security and interests abroad."

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