Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-10), released the following statement condemning Iran's ballistic missile tests in March 2016, as well as other illicit behavior:
“In early January, I wrote an Op-Ed pressing for the United States to be ready and willing to counter Iranian threats to ensure accountability for bad behavior when it comes to both nuclear and non-nuclear violations. Following missile tests last year on October 10th and November 21st, which the UN Security Council Panel of Experts deemed to be in violation of international law, I joined Representatives Nita Lowey (NY-17), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), Eliot Engel (NY-16), Albio Sires (NJ-8), Gerry Connolly (VA-11), and Susan Davis (CA-53) in a letter to President Obama calling for immediate punitive action in response to these violations. Shortly after, following the full implementation of the Iran nuclear agreement (JCPOA), the Administration announced new sanctions on Iranian companies and individuals linked with the missile program -- showing the President’s commitment to holding Iran accountable for its illicit conduct beyond the JCPOA.
“Yet, as I have regularly stated and as Iran has proven time and again, we cannot trust a regime that pledges itself to the destruction of the United States and Israel to abide by its obligations or commitments. That is why my focus in deciding to support the nuclear deal was making sure the inspection and verification requirements were sufficient—i.e. not based on trust—and why I have been so vocal in demanding accountability for Iran’s non-nuclear bad behavior. Two more ballistic missile tests last week, with reports that one of the missiles had the words “Israel must be wiped off the face of the earth” written in Hebrew on the side, confirm what we already know regarding the seriousness of the threat posed by Iran.
“In addition to the testing of ballistic missiles in March, Iran’s demonstrated support of terrorist organizations like Hezbollah and Hamas—including Iran offering payments to the families of Palestinian terrorists—as well as its continued human rights abuses require strong, concrete action in response. I hope the Administration will maintain its demonstrated commitment to countering Iran, and urge the President to not only pressure the international community to take a stand by confronting Iran’s violations, but also show that the United States will not tolerate illegal behavior -- whether in terms of the restrictions and obligations of the JCPOA, or, with respect to activity outside the scope of the agreement.”