Senator Collins Statement On Iran Nuclear Framework

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins released the following statement in response to the announcement that a political framework agreement has been reached with Iran:

“While I will withhold judgment until more details are provided by the Administration, the framework announced yesterday leaves me with serious questions and concerns. A verifiable diplomatic agreement that prevents Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons and dismantles its nuclear infrastructure remains the desired outcome, but it's not clear that the proposed framework will accomplish that goal.

"First, the framework appears to delay, rather than eliminate, Iran's path toward becoming a nuclear weapon state. It apparently would allow Iran to retain troubling capabilities that constitute a threshold nuclear weapon state.

"In addition, existing UN Security Council resolutions require Iran to address questions about the possible military dimensions of its nuclear program. Rather than resolving these questions in the framework, they remain unsettled, as they have been for many years.

"I hope President Obama will seek Senate review and a vote on this agreement. It deserves thorough consideration by the Senate as it has enormous ramifications for our national security and the security of our allies."