Jewish Dems Oppose Pres. Trump’s Iran Deal Withdrawal

WASHINGTON, DC — Former Congressman Ron Klein (D-FL), Chair of the Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA), issued the following statement in response to the announcement that the United States will withdraw from the Iran nuclear agreement between the P5 + 1 nations and Iran, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA):

“President Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the JCPOA is a mistake of historic proportion. Iran is a nefarious actor on the world stage, funding terror groups throughout the Middle East, issuing genocidal threats against the state of Israel and persisting in its efforts to manufacture deadly weapons, such as ballistic missiles. As the Prime Minister of Israel recently pointed out, Iran has gone to great lengths in the past to conceal these malign activities. Past revelations of Iranian deception underscore why maintaining the agreement — and U.S. participation in it — is so critical.

“There is no doubt that the deal has limitations, including focusing narrowly on Iran’s nuclear program to the exclusion of the country’s other harmful behaviors. But, let us make no mistake, the accord has prevented a nuclear armed Iran. Further, the International Atomic Energy Agency, which has overseen inspections and monitoring of Iranian nuclear facilities pursuant with the terms of the agreement, has certified that Iran is in compliance. Our own U.S. military and intelligence experts have concurred with this assessment. If the deal were to lapse, Iran would be free to develop its nuclear weapons capability immediately, not to mention continue its funding of terror, development of ballistic missiles, and threats against Israel. Rather than defecting from the JCPOA, the U.S. should work with our current allies to build upon it, and remain vigilant in securing additional agreements to combat Iran’s bad actions. Walking away from the agreement will only lessen America’s international credibility and our ability work with allies to strengthen the deal.

“America’s withdrawal from the agreement sets us apart from our friends even more, and makes us appear weak and erratic. As a result of the President’s decision, the U.S. will be isolated – not Iran.

“As with the White House’s foolish abandonment of the Paris climate change accord, this decision is yet another sign that President Trump remains committed to abdicating our great nation’s traditional role as a trustworthy leader in the global community. President Trump has damaged America’s international prestige, and has degraded our credibility as a reliable broker on the world stage.”

“Today’s reckless announcement is only the latest example of President Trump’s disastrous foreign policy and lack of strategic vision, and it could have ramifications down the line as the U.S. attempts to negotiate for a denuclearized North Korea.”