WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and 15 of his fellow Republican colleagues sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken requesting an update on U.S. action to hold Iran accountable for multiple violations of theComprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) signed by the Obama Administration, Iran, and other countries agreeing to place restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. One condition included the JCPOA tasking the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to ensure the regime in Tehran adheres to nuclear restrictions. Even with the signed agreement, Iran proves to be non-compliant and further continues nuclear programs. 

“The Iranian regime is intent on fomenting terror across the region, as evidenced by its proxies, Hamas and Hezbollah’s, brutal attacks this weekend on our ally, Israel. Now more than ever, you must ensure that you hold the regime accountable for its failure to comply with obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Further, we were disappointed that the administration did not call for a formal censure of Tehran given its continued non-compliance with the IAEA,” the senators wrote.

“The Biden Administration has failed to press for concrete action against Iran in Vienna. We are especially disturbed by reports that the United States led efforts to oppose a censure of Iran. As Iran violates its commitments and refuses to comply with the IAEA, your business-as-usual approach to resolving the situation is tantamount to an endorsement of the Iranian regime’s activities,” the senators concluded. 

Specifically, the senators made the following requests:

• An explanation as to why the State Department did not seek a censure of Iran during the September 11-15, 2023 Board of Governors meeting and the extent to which this decision was due to ongoing nuclear negotiations; 
• All documents related to the United States decision to oppose a censure of Iran at the September 11-15, 2023 Board of Governors meeting;
• A determination as to whether Iran is in compliance with the NPT;
• If the State Department finds that Iran is in compliance with the NPT, an explanation of how Iran is in compliance with the treaty given the IAEA’s findings of safeguards violations at two sites involving undeclared nuclear material and activities;
• An explanation of what the State Department plans to do about Iran’s failure to cooperate with the IAEA regarding the two outstanding sites of concern, which amounts to violations of Tehran’s legal obligation to cooperate with the agency; and
• Whether the State Department will provide financial incentives or concessions for Iran while Tehran fails to comply with the IAEA’s requests.  

Read the full letter HERE. 

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