Central Louisiana News

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, Marco Rubio, and 13 Republican colleagues have written a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, demanding answers on U.S. actions to hold Iran accountable for violations of its nuclear program restrictions. The senators expressed their concerns in the wake of the recent brutal attacks on Israel by the terrorist organizations Hamas and Hezbollah, which are supported by Iran.

In the letter, the senators stated, "The Iranian regime is intent on fomenting terror across the region, as evidenced by its proxies, Hamas and Hezbollah's, brutal attacks this weekend on our ally, Israel. Now more than ever, you must ensure that you hold the regime accountable for its failure to comply with obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Further, we were disappointed that the administration did not call for a formal censure of Tehran given its continued non-compliance with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)."

The senators expressed their disappointment with the Biden Administration's approach to resolving the situation with Iran in Vienna, stating, "The Biden Administration has failed to press for concrete action against Iran in Vienna. We are especially disturbed by reports that the United States led efforts to oppose a censure of Iran. As Iran violates its commitments and refuses to comply with the IAEA, your business-as-usual approach to resolving the situation is tantamount to an endorsement of the Iranian regime's activities."

The letter was signed by U.S. Senators Rick Scott, Marsha Blackburn, Joni Ernst, Kevin Cramer, Bill Hagerty, Jerry Moran, Pete Ricketts, Thom Tillis, Roger Wicker, Katie Boyd Britt, Tim Scott, Mike Braun, and Susan Collins.

The senators' concerns stem from Iran's non-compliance with the Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which was signed in 2015 by the Obama Administration, Iran, and other countries. The JCPOA placed restrictions on Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. However, Iran has continued its nuclear programs and has been non-compliant with the IAEA's requests for access to various sites.

The letter highlights several instances where Iran has violated its safeguards agreement with the IAEA. In March 2022, the IAEA determined that Iran had violated its safeguards agreement at the Lavisan-Shian site. The IAEA reported that Iran had used natural uranium metal discs for drilling and chemical processing, activities that were not declared to the agency as required.

In May 2023, the IAEA determined that Iran had violated its safeguards agreement at the Marivan site and had provided explanations that were deemed "not technically credible." The IAEA reported that Iran had conducted explosive experiments with protective shielding in preparation for the use of neutron detectors and nuclear material at the site.

The senators have requested information from the U.S. Department of State regarding the status of the IAEA's investigation into Iran following the recent Board of Governors meeting. They have also requested an explanation as to why the State Department did not seek a censure of Iran during the meeting and whether ongoing nuclear negotiations played a role in this decision.

The senators are calling for accountability and concrete action against Iran. They have requested all documents related to the United States' decision to oppose a censure of Iran and a determination as to whether Iran is in compliance with the NPT. They also want an explanation of how Iran can be considered in compliance with the treaty given the IAEA's findings of safeguards violations at two sites involving undeclared nuclear material and activities.

The senators are concerned about Iran's failure to cooperate with the IAEA regarding two outstanding sites of concern and its violation of Tehran's legal obligation to cooperate with the agency. They have asked whether the State Department will provide financial incentives or concessions to Iran while it fails to comply with the IAEA's requests.

The senators are eagerly awaiting a response from Secretary Blinken and hope for a resolution that holds Iran accountable for its actions and ensures the safety and security of the region.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-rubio-13-republican-colleagues-demand-answers-on-irans-nuclear-program-violations-in-wake-of-brutal-tehran-backed-attacks-on-israel