Congressional candidates speak out on U.S.-Iran nuclear talks

April 10, 2015 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Congressional candidate Dan Donovan says he has “deep concerns” over the framework deal that the Obama Administration has struck with Iran. Eagle photo by Paula Katinas

Share this:

Tehran is a long way from Bay Ridge, but the delicate negotiations between Iran and the U.S. over nuclear weapons has become a hot topic in a local congressional race.

Republican Dan Donovan, Democrat Vincent Gentile and Green Party candidate James Lane are all speaking out about the framework for a deal reached between Iran and the U.S. and its allies that could lead to an agreement that would convince Iran to give up its program to build a bomb in favor of the West lifting of crippling economic sanctions.

The three men are running in a special election in the 11th Congressional District (Southwest Brooklyn-Staten Island) on May 5 to replace former congress member Michael Grimm, who resigned in January after pleading guilty to tax fraud.

Gentile said he was “cautiously optimistic” about the framework, but added that the U.S. cannot let its guard down when it comes to dealing with Iran.

“The White House, through its work with our allies abroad, has taken a substantial step towards making the Middle East and entire world a safer place. However, we cannot forget that Iran is still a state sponsor of international terrorism, and so we must remain vigilant against that continued threat. Under absolutely no circumstances can we allow Iran to build a nuclear weapon,” Gentile said. “If elected, I look forward to working with my colleagues in congress and the White House to ensure that the final agreement does everything to protect the United States, its allies, and the world.”

Donovan blasted the agreement and said he was shocked that Gentile had positive things to say about it.

“I have deep concerns with the flawed framework deal the United States has agreed to with Iran. The United States should not agree to any deal that lifts sanctions while allowing Iran to continue operating the core aspects of its nuclear program. Through its actions, Iran has proven itself to be a bad actor that cannot be trusted,” Donovan said. “I was shocked to learn Mr. Gentile applauded this agreement. The last thing we need in Washington is another politician who blindly supports this President’s disastrous foreign policy.”

Staking out a position to the left of Gentile and Donovan, Lane called on the U.S. to commit to nuclear disarmament and pointed out that the U.S. has the largest number of nuclear weapons on the planet.

In addition, Lane said Iran shouldn’t be the only country to be forced to go nuclear-free and that Israel should do the same.

“Principled diplomatic engagement with Iran is the path to peace and stability in the Middle East. All countries in the Middle East should pledge not to possess nuclear weapons. This of course would mean that Israel would need to give up its existing nuclear arsenal,” he said.