Kaine: Iran framework “a positive step for diplomacy”

It may be months or even years before the ultimate outcome of the tentative nuclear deal with Iran is known but U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, says the framework agreement reached today is “a positive step for diplomacy and efforts to peacefully limit Iran’s nuclear program.”

The negotiations are being held against a backdrop of bitter public denunciations by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is demanding among other things that Iran explicitly recognize Israel’s right to exist. There is considerable home-grown Republican agitation against the plan as well.

Nevertheless, Kane said, “The plan announced today includes significant concessions from Iran that, if fully implemented, would protect the world from nuclear proliferation in the region.”

He continued: “I support the following elements of the framework: that the vast majority of Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium will be neutralized; the length and invasiveness of the IAEA-led inspection regime on all aspects of Iran’s nuclear program and facilities; and the fact that U.S. sanctions imposed on Iran for its support to terrorists and proxy groups in the region will remain in place under any deal. However, critical work remains over the next three months to ensure the technical elements of a final, comprehensive deal are enforceable and that Iran will fully comply with these provisions.

“I will closely monitor the process of converting this conceptual agreement into a final deal that cuts off all of Iran’s paths to nuclear weaponry. And I will continue my efforts to build bipartisan support for the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act – legislation that sets up a clear and constructive process for Congress to weigh in on any final deal that touches upon the statutory sanctions Congress has enacted.”

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