Heritage Foundation Brings Together Iran Nuclear Deal Critics

The Iran nuclear deal, signed last September, has been touted as a diplomatic victory by the Obama Administration, which claims that Iran will be prevented from acquiring a weapon under the terms of the deal. However, Iran experts say there is little evidence that the deal benefits the U.S. in anyway. Critics say this deal will accelerate Iran’s nuclear program and their ability to gain a nuclear weapon.

Speaking at a panel at the Heritage Foundation on Wednesday, U.S. Congressman Ron DeSantis (R-FL) said he fears there may now be no opportunity to slow Iran’s nuclear program. DeSantis noted that the deal made an end run around congress as an “executive to executive” agreement, lacked clarity regarding ballistic missile testing, and resulted in the lifting of sanctions, which erased U.S. leverage.

Center for Security Policy Vice President Fred Fleitz led off the discussion panel by citing the increased efficiency of Iran’s 6,000 centrifuges. Recent improvements have given the Iranians the capability to produce a nuclear weapon quicker than previously believed.

The Washington Institute’s Director of Research for Middle Eastern Policy Patrick Clawson shifted the focus to political aspects of the deal and its effects on U.S. relationships. The U.S. has shifted its focus to improving relations with Iran to the detriment of long time U.S. allies. Europe is not pleased with the U.S. aiding Russia and Iran in Syria, yet the current Administration continues to essentially support their efforts.

Heritage Foundation’s James Phillips pointed out the deal is making Iran a regional hegemon. While the Obama Administration focuses on amending historical grievances, Iran, Syria, and Russia will begin pushing U.S. influence out of the Middle East as they gain greater control.

Clawson and Phillips both referenced the Administration’s hope to bring out the moderates in Iran through this new deal, but no moderates have been able to make any impact. Clawson stated, at best, the next Iranian election may see 20% of the positions held by “moderates”, and unlikely to significantly impact the nature of the Iranian regime.

A common criticism from each panelists was the Administration’s lack of effort to restrict Iran. The Obama Administration has allowed Iran to bend and work around the deal’s stipulations in order to keep the deal afloat. When Iran tested ballistic missiles on two separate occasions, which directly breaks the agreement and international sanctions, the Administration did little besides voicing their disproval. All panelists agreed, the Administration seems more concerned with improving relations with Iran than keeping their nuclear program in check.