Gallego, Banks Lead Call for Increased Accountability for Iran’s Nuclear Program
WASHINGTON, DC – Reps. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) and Jim Banks (IN-03) wrote a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken calling on the Administration to do more to hold Iran accountable for its illicit nuclear program and provide Congress with an update on the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) investigation into the country.
“The attacks on Israel by Iran’s proxy, Hamas, highlight the Iranian regime’s status as the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, its destabilizing activity in the region, and its pursuit of a sphere of influence,” the law makers write.
They continue, “The lack of accountability from this administration on Iran’s nuclear program has emboldened the regime to escalate its other destabilizing activities, including its growing relationships with Russia and China and the use of proxy terrorist forces around the world… This administration must increase its efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons capability and must clearly communicate that future progress will be met with drastic consequences.”
In the letter, the lawmakers request the following information:
- An explanation as to why the State Department failed to seek a censure of Iran during the September 11-15, 2023, Board of Governors meeting;
- A determination as to whether Iran is in compliance with the NPT and, if so, a detailed explanation as to how it is in compliance, given the IAEA’s report;
- An explanation of how the State Department plans to respond to Iran’s obstruction of the IAEA;
- An explanation of what efforts thus far the State Department has taken to respond to Iran’s obstruction of the IAEA; and
- Whether the State Department plans to continue to provide incentives and concessions for Iran while the regime fails to comply with the IAEA’s requests.
Earlier this week, Rep. Gallego and Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) called on Secretary Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to use the tools of the federal government at its disposal to stem the flow of illicit Iranian oil sales to China to halt Iran’s financing, arming, and training of terrorist organizations, including Hamas and Hezbollah.
Rep. Gallego previously called for the freezing of Iranian assets, including the $6 billion that was recently unfrozen in a prisoner swap, and joined Rep. Mike Gallagher (WI-08) in a letter calling for the Biden Administration to take specific actions on Iranian assets.