Tate Zeigler (202-224-5972)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement on Senate passage of H.R. 1905, the Iran Threat Reduction Act of 2011.  The bill passed the Senate Monday evening by voice vote.

 

Graham said:

 

“When the Senate failed to pass the sanctions bill last week, I was concerned that the legislation was sending a mixed message to Iran.  However, I am very pleased we were able to strengthen the language in the bill which now sends an unequivocal message to leaders in Iran.  The bill clearly indicates that all options are on the table when it comes to stopping Iran from obtaining a nuclear capability.  As President Obama said in his 2012 State of the Union address, ‘Let there be no doubt: America is determined to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, and I will take no options off the table to achieve that goal.’

 

“The sanctions resolution provides strong additional tools to the President to hit the Iranian regime.  However, one of the missing components of the legislation was a declaration that all options are on the table including military force.

 

“The outcome of a nuclear capable Iran will throw the world into darkness and must be avoided at all costs.  I do not wish for another conflict anywhere in the world, but I am adamant that a nuclear-capable Iran will create a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.

 

“I am very dubious that sanctions will result in changing Iranian behavior, but hope always springs eternal. With this belief in mind, it will be up to the Iranian regime at the end of the day to determine how this issue is resolved. If there is to be war with Iran this summer or fall, it will be because of their actions and their choosing.”

 

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