This week, negotiations continued with Iran as America responded to the latest draft nuclear agreement.
While we don’t know whether there will be a new nuclear agreement or not, we do know many of the issues at the heart of the talks.
Today, we sent this memo to congressional offices highlighting our top concerns with the proposed agreement, and urging members to speak out.
Our main concerns include:
Shorter and weaker: Because of sunsetting restrictions and Iranian advancement in its enrichment capabilities, a new agreement will be shorter and weaker than the original nuclear deal. In essence, we will be paying more and getting less. So how do we get to the “longer and stronger” agreement that President Biden has said is needed?
Strengthening Russia: Russia will play a major role in implementing and guaranteeing this agreement. How will the U.S. ensure Russia and President Putin do not benefit financially, militarily or strategically?
IAEA probe on Iran: A major outstanding issue is whether, and how to, complete the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) investigation into Tehran’s past undisclosed nuclear activities. Iran is demanding the IAEA end its probe as part of a deal. Will the deal require that Iran truthfully answer the IAEA’s questions before Tehran receives sanctions relief? Or will we settle for closing the file without understanding the full scope of Iran’s illicit activities?
More money, more problems: The deal will provide the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism with at least $100 billion annually. Does it really make sense to provide billions to Iran as it plots to kill Americans, attack our allies, and continue its support for terrorist entities in the region?
Israel’s view: Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid came out strongly this week against the deal being discussed.
Lapid said: "Israel is not against any agreement. We are against this agreement, because it is a bad one… It would give Iran a hundred billion dollars a year. This money will not build schools or hospitals. This is a hundred billion dollars a year that will be used to undermine stability in the Middle East and spread terror around the globe."
AIPAC’s view: We are deeply concerned that the deal being discussed will undermine U.S. security interests and those of our allies.
A deal that benefits Russia and Putin is a bad deal.
A deal that is shorter and weaker should be unacceptable.
A deal that allows Iran to escape accountability for its undisclosed nuclear work and funds Iran’s terrorist activities will not make the world a safer place.
Click here to read the memowe sent to Hill offices that dives deeper into each of the above issues. We will keep you updated as we learn more.
Below are links to more news stories from the week and events on the AIPAC app.
Latest Podcasts
Iran Analysis
Inside Iran’s Nuclear Program with Andrea Stricker
PODCAST • Andrea stricker
As negotiations heat up in Vienna, nonproliferation expert Andrea Stricker joins AIPAC to discuss Iran's nuclear program and its efforts to evade accountability with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
From Iran to teachers on strike: A week of deals concerning Israel
PODCAST • The Jerusalem Post
Yaakov Katz and Lahav Harkov discuss all the deals that are concerning Israel right now, from the teachers union striking and concerns that the will not reach an agreement with the Education Ministry before September 1, to the impending signing of the new JCPOA between the US and Iran.
Then, they are joined by Noam Bedein, CEO of Middle East Ecotourism to discuss the Dead Sea and the good news that good come out of a dried-out situation.
The History of Iran's Nuclear Program and the JCPOA
PODCAST • AIPAC
AIPAC's Steven Beckerman provides a historical analysis of Iran's nuclear program, an overview of the details (and flaws) of the JCPOA, and an assessment of where we are in the P5+1 nuclear negotiations.
Last week, Israel and Turkey resumed normalized relations for the first time since 2018. AIPAC's Colin Winston explains the history of Israel and Turkey's relationship and analyzes how this move will impact the Middle East.
Glenn Ivey, the Democratic nominee for the Maryland-04 House seat, sits down with AIPAC to discuss his support for Israel and Israel’s right to self-defense, as well as his path into politics and current Congressional campaign.
Glenn Ivey is an AIPAC PAC Featured Candidate. Given the heavily-Democratic makeup of the district, Ivey is all but assured to be elected to a full term in November.
Bret Stephens: Will Anyone Punish Iran for Its Murderous Campaign? Read here
David Ignatius: Beware the emerging alliance between Russia and Iran Read here
AIPAC Memo: Iran-Russia-China Solidifying Axis to Threaten American Interests Read here
U.S. Helicopter Gunships Hit Iran-Backed Militia in Syria Read here
Visiting US, Gantz emphasizes Israel-US cooperation ‘in face of Iran’s aggression’ Read here
Treasury Announces Cyber Security Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding with the State of Israel Read here
Watch On-Demand
How We Helped Rep. Haley Stevens Win
VIDEO • AUgust 23, 2022
“We take a small little community of Oakland County, Michigan, and the next thing you know, we have people supporting us from all over the country. It started a ground swell of enthusiasm that led to this overwhelming victory.”
Olympian Judoka Arik Ze’evi: Israeli Competition on the World Stage
VIDEO • August 26, 2022
From becoming an Olympic medalist to chairing Israel’s Maccabiah games, Israeli Olympian judoka Arik Ze’evi sits down with AIPAC to share his story and how he’s helping grow Israel’s presence in the international sports arena.
Iran’s armed forces launched large-scale drone drills across the country on Wednesday involving 150 unmanned aerial vehicles to show off its "power" and test accuracy and combat abilities.
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.
