October 18, 2013
Dear Member of Congress:
The election of President Hassan Rowhani in Iran has presented a rare moment of guarded optimism, both in Congress and in the Administration, for a deal with Iran to limit its nuclear program. But this opportunity for reaching a deal that meets U.S. objectives may be fleeting.
Iran’s hardliners are eager to seize on any failure of the new president to argue that the country should not negotiate with the United States. Congress must recognize this political reality as U.S. and allied negotiators proceed to the next round of talks in November.
Allowing the Administration the flexibility to negotiate in good faith, without escalating rhetoric about Iran, is crucial.
The terms of an eventual deal are clear: limits to Iran’s uranium enrichment and the implementation of more rigorous inspections on its nuclear facilities in exchange for sanctions relief and a recognition of Iran’s right to enrich (something Washington has already acknowledged). The modalities for getting there are not.
If Iran is negotiating in good faith, the United States and its allies need flexibility to reach an agreement. They should not fear critics that they are “negotiating with themselves” by offering a revised position.
A show of faith in the possibilities presented by the mostly democratic election of a more moderate president could be a first step in rebuilding a small level of trust between the United States and Iran that has eroded over the course of Ahmadinejad’s two terms.
A refusal to compromise on a limited enrichment capacity – which is at odds with the current P5+1 position to permit some enrichment – could block the chance for successful negotiations, making it harder to enforce current and future sanctions and driving Iran closer to the bomb.
But the President must be given the space to negotiate such a deal. Any measure that limits the President’s ability to present a serious offer, which could include substantial sanctions relief in exchange for equally substantial concessions on the part of Iran, could jeopardize a deal.
Congressional sanctions are now our biggest bargaining chip. But additional measures could be misinterpreted as unwillingness to support a diplomatic solution.
After successfully working together to install the toughest sanctions regime ever in Iran, Congress and the Administration must act together to leverage those sanctions and secure a deal. We urge Congress to pause before authorizing additional sanctions or authorizing military force.
And we have urged President Obama to consult closely with both sides of the aisle as negotiations proceed.
Though the United States should remain skeptical of Iranian intentions, escalating rhetoric could damage the potential for change. So too could a U.S. failure to truly test the waters with Iran, allowing for the continued advancement of Iran’s nuclear program. At worst, slow reaction time could lead to a breakdown in talks that pushes the diplomatic process over the edge, resulting in a confrontation that neither side wants. Now is the time to move forward decisively with a deal that will ultimately enhance U.S. security interests in the region.
Sincerely,
Ira Lechner, Chair
Council for a Livable World
Gary Collins, President
Council for a Livable World
Lt. General (USA, Ret.) Robert G. Gard, Jr., Chair
Center for Arms Control & Non-Proliferation
Laurie T. Dewey, President
Center for Arms Control & Non-Proliferation
John Isaacs, Executive Director
Council for a Livable World & Center for Arms Control & Non-Proliferation
