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Iran deal shows 'lack of fear and respect' for Obama administration: AL in DC

April 6, 2015

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Rep. Gary Palmer said the agreement announced last week related to limitations of Iran's nuclear program weakens America's position on the international stage and hurts U.S. allies.

The White House announced last week it had reached what it described as an "outline" of a program to curb Iran's nuclear programs in return for lifting of economic sanctions. The Obama administration has maintained the agreement would counter the expansion of Iran's nuclear efforts but critics said it cedes too much to a hostile country. Congressional Republicans, as well Israeli leaders, have blasted the plan.

Palmer: Iran won't abide by regulations

Palmer, R-Hoover, said Iran is one of the world's foremost sponsors of terrorism and is responsible for the death of Americans.

"Iran's drive to obtain nuclear capability is a serious problem and there is bipartisan concern about this grave threat. Although the deal has limited details, even those limited ones leave cause for concern. The framework, on its face, is far from the original purpose of the talks," Palmer said. "I do not believe Iran intends to abide by any agreement it makes."

Palmer said the agreement that's now being considered would allow Iran to keep more than 6,000 centrifuges and requires them to be a year away from developing a nuclear program for the next decade. It does not, he said, dismantle Iran's nuclear program.

"The ambitions of Iran's radical clerics are not likely to end in 10 years," he said.

The agreement itself is indicative of a decline in U.S. influence internationally.

"The president claims this agreement is the only alternative to war. This statement itself is indicative of how the tables have turned in respect to the lack of fear and respect Iran has for this Administration. It should have been Iran who came to the table to negotiate in good faith as an alternative to a strategic and decisive response from the United States and our allies," he said.

Palmer criticizes deal

Rep. Bradley Byrne, R-Fairhope, echoed those comments, saying the U.S. has become a "desperate negotiator," and the deal is "another foreign policy blunder" for the Obama administration.

"I continue to believe the best approach is to move forward with crippling sanctions until Iran fully stops their nuclear program and ceases operations with known terrorist organizations," Byrne said.