70+ Middle East & International Relations Scholars
On August 27, 73 leading International Relations scholars endorsed a letter in support of the Iran deal. Beyond the immediate non-proliferation benefits, they emphasize the stabilizing effects this deal could have on the region. They close by stating that the Iran deal “can prove that through creative diplomacy, the most complex conflicts can be resolved peacefully.” Click here to read the full letter.
75 Former Members of Congress
On August 31, a bipartisan group of 75 former members of Congress penned a letter of support for the Iran Nuclear deal. The signers urged the current Congress to build on the work of its predecessors by “supporting this agreement and then exercising your oversight role through the robust monitoring and evaluation of its implementation.”
70+ Prominent Dissidents of the Iranian Regime
On August 31, 74 prominent Iranian dissidents urged Congress to support the Iran Nuclear Agreement. The signers emphasize the role that the agreement could play in opening avenues for new dialogue between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the international community. Without the agreement, the dissidents warn that a military confrontation would be more likely to occur, spoiling any hopes of an easing of tension between the West and Iran. Click here to read the full letter.
32 Top American Scientists
32 American scientists and engineers penned a letter to President Obama on August 8 praising the President and his negotiating team for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran’s nuclear program. The letter reviews the technical achievements of the deal and closes with: “In conclusion, we congratulate you and your team on negotiating a technically sound, stringent and innovative deal that will provide the necessary assurances in the coming decade and more that Iran is not developing nuclear weapons, and provides a basis for further initiatives to raise the barriers to nuclear proliferation in the Middle East and around the globe.” Read the full letter, which had 29 signatories at the time of publishing, here.
More than 100 former American Ambassadors
Over 100 former U.S. ambassadors, including five former ambassadors to Israel, wrote to President Obama on July 16 offering support for the “landmark agreement” that blocks Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. The former ambassadors write, “In our judgment the JCPOA deserves Congressional support and the opportunity to show it can work. We firmly believe that the most effective way to protect U.S. national security, and that of our allies and friends is to ensure that tough-minded diplomacy has a chance to succeed before considering other more risky alternatives.” Click here to read the full letter.
70+ Nuclear Non-Proliferation Experts
On August 18, 75 nuclear nonproliferation experts published a letter of support for the Iran nuclear agreement. The letter praises the “long-term and verifiable restrictions on Iran’s enrichment facilities and research and development,” while also claiming the “rigorous limits and transparency measures will make it very likely that any future effort by Iran to pursue nuclear weapons, even a clandestine program, would be detected promptly.” To read the full letter, click here.
60 National Security Experts
On July 20, 60 former senior U.S. officials and prominent national security leaders published a congratulatory statement to President Obama and his team for negotiating a deal to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. “The consequences of rejection are grave,” they write. “The unraveling of international sanctions; U.S. responsibility for the collapse of the agreement; and the possible development of an Iranian nuclear weapon under significantly reduced or no inspections. A rejection of the agreement could leave the U.S. with the only alternative of having to use military force unilaterally in the future.” To read the full letter, click here.
36 Retired U.S. Generals and Admirals
On August 8, 36 retired Generals and Admirals voiced their support for the Iran deal as the most effective way to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran. According to the letter, “America and our allies, in the Middle East and around the world, will be safer when this agreement is fully implemented.” The letter also highlights the grim “Military action would be less effective than the deal… And if the deal is rejected by America, the Iranians could have a nuclear weapon within a year. The choice is that stark.” To read the full letter, click here.
The Gulf Cooperation Council
On August 3, all six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates – publically endorsed the Iran nuclear deal during a visit to the region by Secretary of State John Kerry. Speaking on behalf of the Council, Qatari Foreign Minister Khalid bin Mohammed al-Attiyah said of the deal: “This was the best option among other options — to come up with a solution . . . through dialogue…We are confident that all the efforts that have been exerted make this region very secure, very stable.” The Washington Post has the full story here.
67 Former Israeli Intelligence and Military Officials
On August 3, a petition signed by 67 retired Israeli generals urging Netanyahu to accept the Iran deal for the sake of US-Israeli relations was released. Signers include Efraim Halevy, former head of the Mossad, Ami Ayalon, former head of Shin Bet (the Israel Security Agency), and Amos Yadlin, former Israeli Air Force general, IDF military attaché to Washington, and head of the IDF Military Intelligence Directorate. See here or here for a more extensive list of former Israeli officials who see the Iran deal as a positive development for Israel’s security.
