Register for live conversation with Sen. Menendez on Iran
Iran Update
President Biden has advocated the need for a "longer and stronger" agreement with Iran—a recognition that the JCPOA needs strengthening to permanently prevent a nuclear-armed Iran and diminish Iran’s regional aggression.
Yet, as the negotiations with Iran have advanced, the concept of "longer and stronger" has faded from the public agenda.
The Wall Street Journalreported last week that U.S. officials have concluded that a restored deal would "leave Iran capable of amassing enough nuclear fuel for a bomb in significantly less than a year." Moreover, Iran is set to receive massive sanctions relief, removing the incentive Iran has to negotiate additional restrictions on its program.
Further, any extension in Iran’s breakout time will only be temporary. Under the JCPOA, the time it would take for Iran to produce weapons grade uranium for a bomb actually gets shorter—as restrictions start to lift less than 8 years from now.
As President Obama acknowledged in 2015, “in year 13, 14, 15 [of the JCPOA] … breakout times would have shrunk almost down to zero.”
The administration should not settle for a deal that will allow Iran to rapidly break out and continue its regional aggression. Congress must conduct strict oversight to understand thoroughly the true repercussions of any agreement and continue to press for a longer and stronger agreement.
Key Stories to Note
Israeli Arab Party Leader Abbas Dismisses Charge of ‘Apartheid’ State: ‘Our Fate Here Is to Live Together’ Read more here
Sudanese envoy in Israel to promote ties - source Read more here
Israel’s national security adviser meets top State Dept. official Read more here
What's Ahead
Live with Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ)
VIRTUAL EVENT • February 17, 2022 • 2:30-3:30 pm et
Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) joins AIPAC to discuss Iran’s rapidly escalating nuclear program and his concerns with reentering the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.
Sen. Menendez grew up the son of Cuban immigrants in a tenement building in Union City and has risen to become one of 100 United States Senators. He is currently the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and served as Ranking Member in the 116th Congress. He has earned a national reputation for his international leadership in the Senate, which pairs with his long-time reputation as a fighter for New Jersey families who puts their economic security ahead of powerful special interests.
VIRTUAL EVENT • February 16, 2022 • 12-12:30 pm et
Rep. Joe Wilson discusses his military background, the threats facing America and our allies, and why he supports a strong U.S.-Israel relationship.
Joe's career in public service officially began when he served on the staffs of South Carolina Senator Strom Thurmond and Congressman Floyd Spence. After serving in the United States Army Reserves from 1972-1975, he also served in the South Carolina Army National Guard. In the summer of 2003, Joe retired as a Colonel, having served as a Staff Judge Advocate assigned to the 218th Mechanized Infantry Brigade. At the time, he was the only active Guard member serving in Congress.
Before being elected to the United States Congress in 2001, Joe served 17 years in the South Carolina State Senate.
A message from Tamar Shapira, Save a Child's Heart
VIDEO • february 11, 2022
Save a Child's Heart saves the lives of critically ill children suffering from heart disease in countries where access to pediatric heart care is limited or nonexistent. Through bringing children to Israel for medical care, performing missions abroad, and training medical personnel, Israel's preeminent humanitarian organization brings hope to families, communities, and countries and is transforming pediatric cardiac care around the world.
Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH) traces his path from local politics to national politics, looks back at his trips to Israel, and discusses why supporting the Jewish state and its vibrant democracy is so important.
Israeli Minister Karine Elharrar sits down with AIPAC to discuss Israel's energy opportunities and how a strong U.S.-Israel relationship helps combat the climate crisis.
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) joined AIPAC to discuss his path from the FBI to the halls of Congress, the shared threats facing America and Israel, and the importance of bipartisanship.
The Institute for National Security Studies Podcast
Interview with U.S. Ambassador to Israel
PODCAST • INSS
A conversation between Prof. Manuel Trajtenberg, Executive Director, INSS and H.E. Thomas R. Nides, United States Ambassador to Israel, from the INSS 15th Annual International Conference.
On his first day with the State Department, Special Agent Fred Burton found a suicide bomber’s ear in a file on his desk. The bomber had targeted the U.S. embassy in Beirut on behalf of a shadowy new group called Hezbollah. Soon, the group was carrying out even bigger attacks and kidnapping journalists and innocent civilians for ransom. Reporting on these events, a CIA report from the time referred to the area as "Wild, Wild West Beirut." Where did this group come from? Where did it get funding and support? And where would it strike next?
The mission of AIPAC is to encourage and persuade the U.S. government to enact specific policies that create a strong, enduring and mutually beneficial relationship with our ally Israel.
