THREAD | (1) Since 2015, a bipartisan consensus has prevailed: members of Congress across the political spectrum support non-nuclear sanctions—including terrorism sanctions—on #Iran.
Six years later, the #Biden admin appears to be on the verge of going against this consensus...
(2) @TzviKahn's memo compiles statements from the #Obama admin expressing support for terrorism sanctions on #Iran.
These quotes highlight the bipartisan support of terrorism and other non-nuclear sanctions—and the importance of maintaining them should the US reenter the #JCPOA:
(3) First up, President Barack Obama 👇
(4) Here's Wendy Sherman in March 2021 during her confirmation hearing to serve as deputy secretary of state.
She should keep her word.
(5) Next, in a 2015 speech, then-Vice President Joe Biden pledged that the United States would continue to impose terrorism sanctions on #Iran.
Biden must not abandon this commitment.
(6) Here's Colin Kahl during his confirmation hearing to serve as under secretary of defense for policy.
Congress should ensure he keeps his commitment.
(7) Lastly, here's then-Secretary of State John Kerry 👇
(8) Ultimately, the United States cannot halt #Tehran’s malign behavior if #Iran faces no economic consequences for it, along with other suitable forms of pressure.
#Biden should make clear that his views have not changed since 2015.
(9) In so doing, Washington can increase the costs of #Iran’s ballistic missile program, #HumanRights abuses, and support for terrorism, while preserving a key bipartisan component of U.S. policy toward Iran.
Today, the Islamic Republic of Iran targeted and threatened FDD.
Our official statement:
(1/3) “FDD conducts independent research and analysis on national security issues. The Islamic Republic prohibits such freedoms at home, and would like to do so abroad as well.
(2/3) “The Islamic Republic, which has occupied the great nation of Iran for four decades, continues to brutally repress the peoples of Iran, stealing their wealth and creating destruction and chaos in the Middle East.