WILMINGTON, Del. - Today, Congressman John Carney (D-DE) released the following statement on the announcement of “Implementation Day” and the release of five American prisoners from Iran. “Implementation Day” signifies Iran’s compliance with a variety of steps under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) to roll back its nuclear weapons program, thereby triggering the lifting of international sanctions against Iran.
“I’m relieved at the events that have unfolded today. Five Americans are being brought back home, some after years of wrongful imprisonment. I'm delighted they're being returned to the freedom they deserve, and that their families and loved ones will be able to welcome them with open arms.
I’m also hopeful that this represents a turning point with Iran that I believe makes the world a safer place. Iran has drastically reduced its ability to make a nuclear weapon as required by the international agreement reached last year.
While I am pleased to see Iran’s timely compliance with the terms of the deal, I will continue to urge the Administration to be vigilant and to verify that all the conditions are being met.
As I’ve said time and again, I am under no illusions that Iran can be trusted based on experience. We must continue to hold Iran accountable for all elements of the deal and verify their compliance.
If they are caught cheating, the U.S. can and must use our authority to "snap back” the sanctions regime immediately. I have also been advocating for the Administration to hold Iran's feet to the fire on violations of other international agreements, including new sanctions on Iran’s ballistic missile testing and cracking down on their human rights violations and support of terrorists.
I raised this concern directly with President Obama before I voted for the deal. He assured me that the U.S. is prepared to do more to confront the Iranians on their development of conventional weapons, their aid to terrorist groups, and their human rights record. I urge the Administration to follow through on these promises.
I will continue to monitor the implementation of the JCPOA closely, with clear and skeptical eyes, as well as Iran’s progress on these other important measures. I implore my colleagues and the Administration to do this as well."