(Radio Iowa) – U-S Senator Joni Ernst says the framework for a potential peace agreement between the U-S and Iran deserves careful review. “The Senate must examine the details to ensure it protects our nation and our allies,” Ernst said. “Iran cannot be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon and any agreement must verifiably and permanently prevent that outcome.”
Ernst, who retired from the Iowa National Guard after 23 years of service, is the first female combat veteran elected to the U.S. Senate and she’s a member of the Armed Services Committee. Ernst says she’s not sure the memorandum of understanding that’s been released is the outline of the final deal. “Bottom-line for me is that Iran can never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon, period,” Ernst said. “I will say that I think we have a ways to go before we actually arrive at that final phase and that final agreement.”
Senate Republican Leader John Thune has said he’s still digesting the details of the potential deal and wants to ensure there are conditions on the financial incentives being offered to Iran. The Mississippi Republican who leads the Senate Armed Services Committee has raised questions about the 300 BILLION dollar rebuilding fund for Iran. During a conference call with reporters on Thursday, Ernst said it’s crucial for Trump Administration officials to meet with members of congress to explain the details of where that money is coming from.
“Is that taxpayer dollars? Because, if so, I think we’re going to have some issues there. Is it assets that belong to the Iranian regime that are going to be unfrozen and how will that be done?” Ernst said. “So, there are just a lot of questions that a lot of us still have.”
President Trump and Iran’s president have signed an agreement that will reopen the Strait of Hormuz, kicking off a 60-day period of negotiations toward a final deal to end the war.
