Democratic National Security Task Force Responds to President Trump's Decision to Withdraw from the Iran Nuclear Deal

WASHINGTON, DC – The co-chairs of the Democratic Caucus' National Security Task Force—Reps. Jimmy Panetta of California, Stephanie Murphy of Florida, and Seth Moulton of Massachusetts—issued the following statement after President Donald Trump announced that the United States will withdraw the United States from the Iran nuclear deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

"Withdrawing from the JCPOA with Iran without a viable alternative is dangerous, undermines our alliances, and jeopardizes our core national security interests in the Middle East and around the world.

"U.S. military leadership has repeatedly testified the JCPOA continues to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Last month, the commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East, General Joseph Votel, told Congress, ‘it is in our interest to stay in the Iran nuclear deal.' Further, this month, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Joseph Dunford, testified during a House Armed Services Committee hearing that Iran continues to abide by the terms of the deal.

"The National Security Task Force is committed to doing everything in our power to ensure that Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon. In doing so, we will work with our colleagues in Congress to ensure that the United States upholds its commitments."