Bipartisan Senators Urge European Allies to Maintain Pressure on Iran

Strategic Insights -

A group of 50 Senate Republicans and Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) have written a letter to European allies, urging them to maintain pressure on Iran until it dismantles its nuclear program. The letter commends the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany for initiating the snapback process to reimpose international sanctions on Iran at the United Nations Security Council. The senators emphasize that the international community should not be deterred by Iran's hollow gestures and cynical threats and that sanctions relief should only be negotiated after the snapback process is fully implemented.

Key Takeaways:

  • The letter was signed by 50 Senate Republicans and Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), including Senate Republican Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), Senators Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.).
  • The senators urge European allies to maintain pressure on Iran until it dismantles its nuclear program, including fully and verifiably dismantling its nuclear program, restoring full International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) access, and terminating its support for international terror proxies.
  • The letter commends the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany for initiating the snapback process to reimpose international sanctions on Iran at the United Nations Security Council.
  • The senators emphasize that sanctions relief should only be negotiated after the snapback process is fully implemented and that the international community should not be deterred by Iran's hollow gestures and cynical threats.
  • The letter highlights the need for joint interdiction efforts to prevent Iranian proliferation and acquisition of military, missile, and nuclear goods, technologies, and components.
  • The senators also urge the European allies to help shutter Iran's banking sector abroad, including by closing all branches in Europe.

Statistics:

  • 50 Senate Republicans and Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) signed the letter.
  • The letter was sent to a total of three European allies: Jean-Noel Barrot, the French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs; Johann Wadephul, German Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Yvette Cooper, British Secretary of State.
  • The letter emphasizes that Iran has abused diplomatic processes for years to avoid penalties and that sanctions relief should only be negotiated after the snapback process is fully implemented.

Sources:

  • Source 1: Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas
  • Source 2: Senate Foreign Relations Committee
  • Source 3: Original news release
  • Source 4: https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=456ADF8B-C3B0-4DA3-BDC0-A70B397BBB2A