I want to inform you that today President Obama announced that he is terminating plans to build a missile defense system in Eastern Europe that was designed to protect the U.S. and its allies from long-range missile threats from Iran and other potentially hostile nations. Earlier today the Associated Press broke a story that top experts at the International Atomic Energy Agency believe that Iran is now capable of making a nuclear weapon. I am alarmed by this decision and I strongly disagree with the Administration’s decision to capitulate to foreign pressure regarding our national security.

I believe the President’s decision to abandon plans for a comprehensive missile defense capability in Europe establishes a posture of weakness for the United States as he moves forward with his plan to address Iran’s nuclear threat through face-to-face talks. According to the top nuclear watchdog group, Iran is now capable of creating a nuclear bomb, and their ability to launch and deliver a nuclear warhead is gradually but surely improving. While Iran’s long-range missile capability may be a few years from completion, I strongly believe the United States should be preparing today for future threats to our national security, our troops overseas, and key allies. Failure to do so is dangerously shortsighted.

Further, I’m concerned that the President apparently believes that pacifying Russia’s concerns about the missile defense program will lead that nation to alter its long-held support for the Iranian regime and remove its objections to tough international sanctions against Iran. While the President is certainly well intentioned, I’m concerned that his decision will prove to be naïve and misguided. Russia’s financial interests in Iran will likely continue to make them unwilling to confront the regime’s nuclear program in a serious way, and leave our nation disappointed by its response to our act of goodwill.

Instead of taking this major gamble, I believe President Obama should confront Iran’s nuclear program from a position of strength. It is a mistake to allow other nations to dictate our foreign policy and it is a mistake to terminate defense strategy because it ruffles a few feathers. I strongly urge him to reconsider this decision and to maintain our support and commitment to our Eastern European allies. The best way for the United States to handle this growing threat is through working with willing partners in developing tough multi-lateral sanctions against the Iranian regime, and keeping all options on the table. Simply put, I believe it is essential that our nation demonstrate a strong ‘peace through strength’ stance as we address this extremely serious challenge.