Corker to Obama Administration: Hold Firm on Sanctions in Negotiations with Iran

WASHINGTON – As negotiations begin tomorrow in Geneva over Iran’s nuclear program, U.S. Senator Bob Corker, R-Tenn., ranking member of the Foreign Relations Committee, today urged the Obama administration to hold firm on sanctions with Iran.

“With limited time for diplomacy to work, the administration should hold firm on sanctions, which brought Iran to the table and remain the greatest leverage point we have.  Eagerness to exploit an opening with Iran should not lead to concessions before Iran takes verifiable steps to eliminate their nuclear weapons program.  Congress can play a constructive role by putting in place tough conditions on Iran before any easing of sanctions can occur,” said Corker.

During a Foreign Relations Committee hearing on October 3, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman said the Obama administration would support additional sanctions if Iran fails to offer a verifiable plan in Geneva.

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