J Street Welcomes Senate Vote on Iran Nuclear Agreement

Today’s procedural vote in the US Senate on a resolution to disapprove of the Iran nuclear agreement has brought a welcome end to the uncertainty surrounding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) since it was signed by Iran, the United States and five major world powers on July 14. 

As strong supporters of the Iran nuclear agreement, J Street is pleased that President Obama will not be required to exercise his veto power in order to move forward with its implementation. The wide and vocal backing the President has received from his party in Congress has sent a clear message to the world that the United States is ready and able to honor its international commitments.

We have worked tirelessly on behalf of this agreement because we believe that it blocks all of Iran’s paths toward developing a nuclear weapon and is underpinned by a robust regime of international monitoring and inspections. The JCPOA thereby advances US security interests and removes an existential threat to Israel. We are grateful that so many Senators have heeded their constituents, the experts, and the facts, and have acted responsibly to support the agreement despite an unprecedented $40 million campaign designed to derail it.

While today’s vote should be viewed as definitive, we remained concerned that some lawmakers apparently remain intent on devising new ways to undermine the agreement through separate legislation. While deeply sympathetic to and supportive of the need to protect Israel against the threats of Iranian-sponsored terrorism and long-range missiles, we believe this can be done without compromising either the letter or spirit of this crucial agreement.

All those committed to blocking Iran from developing a nuclear weapon and to ensuring the security of the United States, Israel and our allies should now turn their attention to the task of ensuring the vigorous and successful implementation of the JCPOA.

We have had a great national debate on the merits of this agreement, but that debate is now over.