WASHINGTON — Reaching a deal to curtail Iran’s nuclear ambitions once again proved to be impossible this week, as U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry announced negotiations will be extended for another seven months. This is the second time this year the talks — which have been ongoing for the past dozen years — have been prolonged. The announcement prompted frustration from Alabama Congressman Bradley Byrne (AL-1), who said the U.S. should double down on crippling economic sanctions to force the Iranians to abandon their nuclear program once and for all.
It is far past time the United States abandon nuclear talks with Iran and move forward with new sanctions. For over a year now, Secretary of State Kerry has attempted to work out a deal with Iran but very little progress has been made. It seems that Iran is only interested in continuing the talks to buy time while they expand their nuclear capabilities. For the United States, continuing these talks is nothing more than the Obama administration trying to save face from yet another foreign policy failure.
I strongly believe preventing a nuclear Iran is one of the most important national security priorities of our time, but these talks are proving useless. We should move forward with crippling sanctions that leave Iran with no choice but to abandon their nuclear program. In my work on the House Armed Services Committee, I will continue to advocate for harsher sanctions and an end to this failed attempt at diplomacy.
According to Reuters, one official close to the negotiations expressed doubt that a deal will ever be reached. The report quotes the official as saying, “I am skeptical that even if we (do) extend we will be able to reach a deal.”
In July, the United States and five other world powers extended the talks with Iran through November 24. Following that decision, Byrne announced his opposition to continuing the talks. With this latest continuation, Iran will continue to benefit from almost $700 million a month in sanctions relief.
Follow Cliff on Twitter @Cliff_Sims
