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Kerry and Moniz Defend Iran Nuclear Deal Against Congressional Rejection

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Secretary of State John Kerry and Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz defended the Iran nuclear deal in a series of Sunday interviews, arguing that it leaves the Middle East safer and that there is no viable alternative. Kerry and Moniz repeated their warnings that if Congress rejects the deal, Iran will resume enriching uranium to levels prohibited under the agreement, leading to a potential war in the region.

Key Takeaways:

  • Kerry stated that if Congress rejects the deal, Iran will begin to enrich uranium again, and the likelihood of war increases, as President Obama previously warned.
  • Moniz explained that the agreement does not include spontaneous inspections of undeclared sites, but rather "managed access" through a 24-day process, which falls short of the "anytime, anywhere" access that Iran's nuclear general earlier this year said would be off-limits.
  • Kerry dismissed criticism over the United Nations getting a vote on the agreement before Congress has a chance to weigh in, stating that it's a "right" of the UN to do so, and that some countries, including France, Russia, China, Germany, and Britain, would have a say in the matter.
  • The administration is still working to secure the release of three Americans imprisoned in Iran, including Jason Rezaian, a reporter for The Washington Post, imprisoned for almost a year and accused of spying.
  • Critics of the agreement, including Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, appeared on Sunday talk shows, warning that the deal would embolden Iran's nuclear ambitions and increase the likelihood of war in the region.
  • Kerry and Moniz emphasized that the deal would prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons for at least 10 years, and that the US and Iran would remain adversaries, with Washington working to counter Iran's support for militant groups and the Syrian government.

Statistics:

  • The agreement will restrict Iran's nuclear program for at least 10 years, with no nuclear weapons development allowed for the first 10 years and a ban on ballistic missiles for eight years.
  • The deal does not include spontaneous inspections of undeclared sites, but rather a 24-day process of "managed access" which would allow inspectors to negotiate access to these sites on a case-by-case basis.
  • President Obama has warned that if Congress rejects the deal, Iran will resume enriching uranium to levels prohibited under the agreement, leading to a potential war in the region.
  • The US and its international partners have imposed significant sanctions on Iran, which would be lifted under the agreement if Iran meets its obligations.

Sources:

  • Secretary of State John Kerry, in an interview on CNN's "State of the Union," defended the Iran nuclear deal.
  • Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz, in an interview on "Face the Nation," explained the agreement's inspection process.
  • Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), in an interview on NBC's "Meet the Press," warned that Congress will ultimately reject the agreement.
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in an interview on several talk shows, criticized the agreement and said it made Israel less safe.
  • President Obama, in a statement, warned that if Congress rejects the deal, Iran will resume enriching uranium to levels prohibited under the agreement.

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