Foster Statement on Military Action in Iran and Escalating Nuclear Threat

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL), Congress’ only PhD physicist, issued the following statement:

"Make no mistake: We are in this situation because of President Trump’s careless decision to withdraw from the Iran Nuclear Deal during his first term. Under that agreement, we maintained adequate oversight over Iran’s nuclear program such that if they backed out, the U.S. and our allies would have at least a full year to respond militarily before Iran had enriched uranium for their first nuclear weapon. Because Trump pulled out of that agreement, Iran now has the ability to produce a weapon within weeks.

“In the period since Iran has stopped full cooperation with nuclear inspectors, there was more than enough time for the Trump Administration to brief Congress on the situation and seek the permission Constitutionally required for military action. It is also inexcusable that Trump did not inform Congressional leadership before military action was taken.

“Now is the time for diplomacy that must include an agreement to return all of Iran’s enriched uranium inventory to IAEA inspection. All parties must return to the negotiating table to ensure a safer future for the United States and the world.”

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