Author: William Ktsanes

In November 2013, ECDC members unaniously approved the following statement:

 We support the diplomatic efforts pursuing an agreement with Iran regarding its nuclear program, and oppose additional sanctions while Iran cooperates fully with the agreement made with the United States on November 23, 2013.

 Senator Diane Feinstein received the statement and sent a response:

 Dear ECDC,

Thank you for contacting me regarding U.S. policy towards Iran.  I appreciate hearing from you on this important topic, and I welcome the opportunity to respond.

 I remain deeply concerned about Iran’s nuclear program, and I strongly believe that Iran should not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons.  As such, I have supported significant multilateral and unilateral sanctions against Iran in an effort to compel its government to uphold its international obligations and to come to the negotiating table regarding its nuclear program.

 It is clear that these economic sanctions have been successful in constraining Iran’s economy and putting enormous pressure on its political leaders.  Iran’s ability to engage in international trade has been almost entirely halted, its banking sector has been cut off from financial markets, and its currency has been significantly devalued.  Moreover, international unity in enforcing these sanctions has left Iran more isolated than ever before. 

 While no option should be removed from the table, I support diplomatic efforts to resolve concerns about Iran’s nuclear program, and I want to give the current Geneva talks led by the P5+1 countries (United States, China, Russia, United Kingdom, and France plus Germany) a chance to succeed. 

 After the June 2013 election of President Hassan Rouhani, Iran’s former nuclear negotiator, these diplomatic negotiations represent the best opportunity to curtail Iran’s nuclear program that I have seen in a decade.  I do not believe Congress should risk undermining the delicate negotiations underway through the imposition of further sanctions or threats of military force. 

 Please be assured that I remain fully engaged in this matter, I have carefully noted your views, and I will keep your thoughts in mind as I continue to discuss and debate U.S. policy towards Iran with my Senate colleagues and the Obama Administration.

 Once again, thank you for writing, and I hope that you will continue to keep me informed about issues of importance to you. Should you have any further comments or questions, please feel free to contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-3841, or visit my website at www.feinstein.senate.gov. Best regards.

 Also, may I take this opportunity to wish you a happy and healthy holiday season.

 Sincerely yours, 

Dianne Feinstein

United States Senator