Lorcan Connick (202) 224-5972

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), and Mark Kirk (R-IL) released the following statement in response to today's New York Times report that the Obama Administration is considering easing sanctions on Iran by releasing frozen overseas assets held by the Iranian regime:

"Now is a time to strengthen--not weaken--U.S. and international sanctions. The U.S. should not suspend new sanctions, nor consider releasing limited frozen assets, before Tehran suspends its nuclear enrichment activities. Iran must fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency, meet its responsibilities under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, and implement all relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions in a transparent and verifiable manner. Nothing short of that will be acceptable to the United States Congress and the American people."

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