Congressman Messer statement on Obama Administration's decision to extend nuclear negotiations with Iran

WASHINGTON--Congressman Luke Messer released the following statement after the Obama Administration announced it will extend nuclear negotions with Iran:

“With the Thanksgiving holiday and other major current events, many folks missed the news that the Obama Administration has extended nuclear negotiations with Iran into the middle of next year.  If not handled appropriately, this extension could undermine the United States’ ability to negotiate from a position of strength and reach an agreement that truly makes the world a safer place. 

“Iran cannot be rewarded for simply coming to the table without a verifiable intention to give up its nuclear program.  We must, once again, make clear that the United States will do whatever necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons capability.

“For our national security and our allies abroad, the United States must not acquiesce to a country who has scoffed at international norms and obligations for decades.  It would be a fatal concession to allow Iran to retain any capabilities that may lead to a nuclear weapon. 

“Unless Iran fundamentally changes course and makes real concessions, the U.S. must continue to toughen sanctions, not weaken them.  Economic pressure from those sanctions is the only thing bringing Iran to the negotiating table.”