Norton Praises Historic Iran Nuclear Framework

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) released the following statement regarding the framework for a final nuclear deal reached today among Iran and the United States and major world powers that would phase out economic sanctions in return for Iran agreeing to reduce the size and scope of its nuclear program:

"I am relieved to see a framework deal reached to curb Iran's nuclear program. Under harsh, internationally imposed economic sanctions, Iran nevertheless continued to push its uranium enrichment program until the negotiations with the United States and our allies put it on hold. With our major partners also in agreement, the framework takes the twin alternatives of war or resumption of Iran's nuclear program off the table. In today's political atmosphere, it may be too much to ask the inevitable critics to consider the details of the framework and what is at stake before rejecting it. The key to the framework for me is transparency. The details revealed so far show regular access to all of Iran's nuclear facilities and supply chains by the International Atomic Energy Agency, in addition to access to any alleged covert enrichment facility.

Many who have prematurely voiced criticism have taken the position of those in Congress for whom negotiations means all or nothing capitulation. Such results are the antithesis of successful international agreements."

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