WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Stephen F. Lynch (D-Boston), the top Democrat on the House Subcommittee on National Security, released the following statement in response to President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the JCPOA:

“President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran’s nuclear program puts the world at greater risk of nuclear proliferation and seriously damages U.S. standing in the world. One of the central benefits of the JCPOA is to place International Atomic Energy Agency monitors inside former nuclear research and development centers within Iran. The participation of IAEA inspectors during the dismantling and decommissioning process at the Fordow and Natanz fuel enrichment facilities, as well as the disassembly of the heavy water reactor at Arak, virtually froze the ability of Iran to threaten the region and the world with nuclear conflict. It is noteworthy that according to the IAEA, Iran has maintained full compliance with the JCPOA since its inception.

“President Trump’s repudiation of the agreement ostensibly allows Iran to resume nuclear weapons development. Meanwhile, President Trump’s threat of U.S. sanctions against Iran has been greatly diminished by the fact that the U.K., France, Germany, China, and Russia appear to be unwilling to support similar sanctions. They will continue to trade with Iran as long as they remain in compliance with the JCPOA.

“President Trump’s action was extremely ill-advised without coordinating with our allies. This decision strengthens the hardliners in Iran, weakens the United States’ relationship with longtime democratic allies, and ultimately makes the world a more dangerous place.”