Chickasha News: Cole, Lankford skeptical of Iran nuclear deal

Chickasha News - Adam Troxtell

Oklahoma congressional representatives have greeted a new agreement between the U.S. and Iran over its nuclear program with skepticism.

Both Rep. Tom Cole and Sen. James Lankford issued statements, saying they were wary about the deal with Iran that was announced Tuesday and even condemned parts of it. They said Congress should take time reviewing the deal to ensure it is truly in the nation's best interest.

“Over the next 60 days, Congress and the American people will have an opportunity to thoroughly review this agreement with Iran," Cole said in his statement. "Before arriving at a final opinion, I intend to take my time carefully reading the agreement and listening to the Administration, my colleagues in Congress, various foreign policy experts and, most importantly, my constituents.

"While the president deserves the opportunity to make his case, he is surely aware that many of us begin this process with serious reservations and questions about the agreement and some of those nations who are parties to it."

The nuclear deal was agreed between Iran and the so-called P5+1 group of nations - the U.S., United Kingdom, France, China, Russia and Germany. In it, Iran has agreed to dispose of most of its enriched uranium, remove two-thirds of centrifuges and place them under international supervision, and provide the International Atomic Energy Agency permanent access to nuclear plant facilities.

In exchange, international sanctions that have crippled Iran's economy will be lifted over time. There are also measures in place to restore the sanctions if Iran goes back on the deal.

However, Lankford expressed trust issues with a nation that has been a known sponsor of terrorism.

"While I remain hopeful for a diplomatic solution, Iran is the world’s largest state-sponsor of terrorism according to our State Department—this fact is impossible to ignore," Lankford said. "The initial reports suggest that the UN would have limited or delayed access to challenge inspections and the end to Iran’s arms embargo would end relatively quickly."

Cole highlighted part of the deal, an elimination of an embargo on arms sales to Iran, as one he is vehemently against.

"Finally, the decision to lift the embargo on selling conventional armaments and ballistic missile components to Iran has no place in this agreement," Cole said. "I am deeply concerned that the Administration made this concession not only to Iran, but to Russia and China as well.‎"

Over the next 60 days, Congress may lodge attempts to block the deal, but President Barack Obama has stated his intent to veto any of those efforts. Both his administration and that of Iran have hailed the deal as a breakthrough, while conservative politicians on both sides have made their opposition clear.

Online:Chickasha News