Rep. Chris Van Hollen said Tuesday he is a bit more optimistic about the six-month deal to curb Iran’s nuclear program than many of his Capitol Hill colleagues, saying it keeps tabs on the country while diplomats craft a larger deal.
Mr. Van Hollen, Maryland Democrat, told MSNBC’s “The Daily Rundown” that there is no sense in upsetting fragile diplomatic talks with the Middle East nation as it attempts to freeze and roll back the nuclear capabilities of a country that the United States has viewed as a bad actor on the world stage.
SEE RELATED:
“Don’t trust, verify,” Mr. Van Hollen said.
He said the deal has ample verification provisions to prevent any chicanery on Iran’s part. Other lawmakers, particularly Republicans, are not satisfied with the deal and say tougher sanctions are needed, not a letup on punitive actions.
