FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Amanda Waldron
awaldron@armscontrolcenter.org
202.264.9400
Washington, DC—After nearly two years of intensive negotiations, the P5+1 (United States, United Kingdom, China, Russia, France, and Germany) and Iran have reached a historic agreement to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran. The announced deal implements the April framework agreement to significantly constrain Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief for Iran.
Statement by Executive Director of Council for a Livable World and Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation Angela Canterbury:
This historic announcement has been worth the wait—we finally have a comprehensive and verifiable deal to block all pathways to an Iranian nuclear weapon. The welcome result of these exhaustive negotiations is a roadmap for more peace and security for years to come. We commend the P5+1 and Iran for securing this landmark deal, and especially President Obama, Secretary of State Kerry, Secretary of Energy Moniz, and their staffs for their steadfast leadership. This watershed agreement to peacefully prevent a nuclear-armed Iran is truly a testament to the power of diplomacy.
Over the coming days, we will be analyzing every detail of the deal. We urge Congress to do the same, and to evaluate the deal on its merits and against the alternatives. Americans support a good deal, and Congress must do the same.
The announced deal:
- Increases the time Iran might “break out” of the deal and obtain a nuclear weapon from two months to more than one year
- Provides the U.S. and the international community with ample time and capability to detect any potential violations of Iran’s commitments
- Stipulates an International Atomic Energy Agency report by the end of the year on the possible military dimensions of Iran’s prior nuclear program
- Allows inspectors access to military facilities if they suspect nuclear activity
- Places Iran’s nuclear program under lock, key, and camera, including its centrifuge factories and uranium supply chains
The deal will now be submitted for a 60-day review by Congress.
Angela Canterbury, Council Board Member Dr. Jim Walsh, Center Board Chair Lt. Gen. Robert Gard, and Center Board Vice Chair Col. Dick Klass are available for further comment and broadcast bookings by contacting Amanda Waldron at 202.546.0795 X 2115 or awaldron@armscontrolcenter.org.
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The Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation is a national non-partisan, non-profit dedicated to enhancing peace and security through expert policy analysis and thought-provoking research. Since 1980, the Center’s expertise on reducing the threats of war and nuclear weapons has been sought by the media and policymakers—supported by the tax-deductible contributions of foundations and individuals.
For more than 50 years, the Council for a Livable World has been advocating for a more principled approach to U.S. national security and foreign policy. Our mission is to increase peace and security and to reduce the threats of war and nuclear weapons by representing our members in Washington and electing congressional candidates who support our goals.
