J Street Vice President of Policy and Strategy Hadar Susskind released the following statement upon passage of the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions Accountability and Divestment Act of 2010 by the Senate and House:
J Street welcomes Congressional passage of the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions Accountability and Divestment Act of 2010 and urges swift Presidential approval.
It is a vital interest of the United States, Israel, and the entire Middle East that Iran not obtain nuclear weapons. Passage of this bill, in addition to the United Nations Security Council’s passage of enhanced multilateral sanctions, highlights the choice the Iranian Government must make between a path that leads to further international isolation and another that leads to reintegration into the international community.
We believe that a dual track approach that combines meaningful diplomatic engagement with broad-based sanctions is necessary to convince Iran to clarify its nuclear intentions. We commend the President for his efforts in strengthening the resolve of the international community on Iran. We support Presidential waiver authorities necessary to provide the flexibility for the President to consider and pursue a wide range of strategic options to convince Iran to change course. We reiterate that nothing in this bill should be taken as authorizing or encouraging the use of military force against Iran. We are opposed to the use of military force by Israel or the United States against Iran.