PAAIA Expresses Support for Nuclear Deal with Iran
November 14, 2014, Washington, D.C. – As the November 24th deadline approaches for the P5+1 to reach a comprehensive nuclear agreement with Iran, the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) expresses support for a diplomatic resolution to the decade-long stalemate over Iran’s nuclear program. PAAIA believes that a negotiated settlement is the best way to ensure Iran does not develop nuclear weapons.
We applaud those involved in the negotiations for their continued focus and pursuit of a diplomatic resolution to this vital issue of U.S. national security. Reports indicate that the initial agreement (Joint Plan of Action) has frozen and helped roll back key elements of Iran’s nuclear program in return for limited sanctions relief. The positive results of the initial agreement have opened a window of opportunity to implement creative solutions for a comprehensive settlement.
We are confident that a negotiated settlement that effectively cuts off Iran’s pathway to a nuclear weapon and allows for a stringent international monitoring regime ensuring that Iran’s nuclear program could only be used for peaceful purposes is in the best interest of the United States.
It is our belief that the phasing out of nuclear-related sanctions should be reciprocal to the implementation of the agreement. As such, we commend the Obama administration’s consultation with Congress on this matter. Congress plays an important role in the negotiating process and must ultimately repeal or rewrite sanctions legislation if a long term agreement is to stand the test of time.
PAAIA’s 2014 National Public Opinion Survey of Iranian Americans indicates that an overwhelming number of Iranian Americans would like to see a diplomatic resolution to the nuclear dispute with Iran. Nearly two-thirds would support the removal of nuclear-related sanctions if a comprehensive deal is successfully brokered.
Iranian Americans maintain deep ties with the people of Iran. They want to see an Iran that is democratic and respectful of human rights. A successfully negotiated settlement will increase Iran’s engagement with the international community. This, in turn, will help the international community’s efforts to hold Iran accountable to its human rights obligations.
Furthermore, a negotiated settlement on the nuclear issue could open possibilities for greater people-to people ties between the United States and Iran through cultural and educational exchanges. Such exchanges with Iran will uphold positive features of American society and help cultivate the goodwill of the Iranian people towards the United States.
As an organization that represents the interests of Iranian Americans, PAAIA shares our government’s concerns about Iran’s nuclear program and commends all efforts to pursue a diplomatic resolution. At this juncture, we believe that a negotiated settlement with Iran is the only viable option to end the nuclear impasse with Iran and to increase stability in the Middle East.
