Statement on the Iran Nuclear Agreement

Today, the United States alongside its P5+1 partners announced an unprecedented deal to address the challenging and complex issue of the Iranian nuclear threat. The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley looks forward to learning more concrete details about the accord in the coming weeks as we seek to understand its implications and its efficacy.
 
A diplomatic resolution to the threat of a nuclear Iran has always been the preferred option. The Jewish Federation recognizes the committed efforts that President Obama, Secretary of State John Kerry and the team of diplomats have taken to achieve a peaceful resolution to the threat that Iran will obtain a nuclear weapon.
 
At the same time, and despite these efforts, we have cause to be wary. While negotiating this agreement, Iran has continued to fund terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah, threatened annihilation of Israel and worked to destabilize neighboring countries in the region. Iran is not a country that has earned anyone's trust. Consequently, we welcome debate on the merits of the agreement and close scrutiny by Congress. The 60-day Congressional review window opens a critical period to examine the agreement and ensure that it has the rigorous inspection and compliance components that are necessary.
 
The threat of Iran obtaining nuclear weapons is a matter of the deepest concern and utmost urgency to the world. Now, with the completion of the accord between the P5+1 countries and Iran, it is critical that the world stay focused on the ultimate goal:  preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons by all means.
 
We call upon the United States, the European Union and the United Nations to provide the necessary resources, structures and capabilities that are required to ensure Iran's full compliance with an agreement. The diplomatic and economic pressures applied by these bodies were successful in bringing Iran to the table to negotiate. The same concerted effort must be used to ensure that Iran will never be allowed to possess nuclear weapons capability.

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