OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - At least four of the six members of Oklahoma’s all-Republican congressional delegation are criticizing a proposed agreement between Iran and world powers that’s intended to curb Iran’s nuclear program, while one, Rep. Steve Russell, took a more cautious approach.
“On the table before America, is a limited scope agreement with Iran that the president believes would potentially keep them from developing a nuclear weapon or arsenal. Now is not the time to review what could have or should have been done,” Russell said in a statement following Tuesday’s announcement of the proposal that would give Iran billions of dollars in relief from international sanctions.
Sens. James Lankford and Jim Inhofe both called Iran the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism.
“The president’s deal with Iran failed to meet the only standard that ensures the future safety of America and its allies, which is the complete dismantling of Iran’s capability to build a nuclear bomb,” Inhofe said.
Lankford said he has “reasonable concerns” about the agreement.
“The leadership of Iran is a threat to its neighbors and the world, therefore we should closely analyze and debate this deal before any sanctions relief occurs,” Lankford said.
A law that President Barack Obama signed earlier this year gives him five days to submit the agreement to Congress for review and provides for a condensed, 60-day period for Congress to hold hearings and consider legislation that would bar him from lifting sanctions that lawmakers have enacted in recent years. The president said Tuesday he’ll block any legislation that blocks the deal.
Rep. Jim Bridenstine also referred to Iran as a leader in world terrorism.
“While I will keep an open mind, let’s remember who we’re dealing with,” Bridenstine said. “No deal is better than a bad deal.”
Rep. Tom Cole joined Inhofe in calling for a reduction in Iran’s nuclear capabilities, including the surrender of weapons-grade uranium.
“While I haven’t reviewed the agreement in full yet, I remain skeptical about trusting the intentions of Iran and believing it will abide by its word,” said Cole.
Rep. Frank Lucas had not commented on the proposal Tuesday afternoon.
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