Washington, D.C. - Following news that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo committed to imposing sanctions on Iran following the United Nation’s rejection of a continued arms embargo against Iran, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) issued the following statement:

"We all want to see a free and democratic Iran, but until then, the United States must continue to take steps to deter the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism. In order to protect Americans and our allies from the nuclear threat of Iran, the United States, under President Trump’s leadership, needs to continue to stand up to Iran.” said Emmer. “I am grateful to the Trump Administration for holding firm on this position of strength until Iran fully complies with denuclearization.”

Congressman Emmer recently signed a bicameral letter to President Trump that acknowledges and applauds the Administration’s decision to “snapback” sanctions against Tehran that existed prior to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). On Wednesday, Iran partially agreed to reverse course and allow additional inspection of nuclear sites.

Emmer concluded, “Iran’s recent concessions to allow international nuclear inspectors into their country is a signal that this Administration’s strategy is already working, and continued bold leadership will pressure Iran to denuclearize."

The Trump Administration decided to “snapback” UN sanctions and restrictions on the Islamic Republic of Iran in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2231. The sanctions include: an indefinite embargo on the transfer of conventional arms to and from Iran; a ban on a missile program in Iran; a prohibition on all testing and development of nuclear-capable missiles; the banning of all enrichment-related activities; and travel and asset bans for sanctioned individuals. These sanctions aim to deter Iran from developing nuclear weapons. 

Read the letter here. 

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