Cornhusker State News

U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) addressed the Senate floor today, calling on European allies to resist what he described as Iran’s threats and delaying tactics in upcoming negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. Ricketts spoke in support of a resolution, which is cosponsored by 19 other senators, urging the United Kingdom, France, and Germany—collectively known as the E3—to implement the snapback mechanism for United Nations sanctions against Iran without delay.

“Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” said Ricketts. “This has been a red-line for decades, going back to President Clinton. And the reason is because the results would be catastrophic.”

He continued: “Iran is as weak now as it has ever been since the 1980s, and probably weaker. [Trump’s] strikes have delayed Iran’s path to a nuclear weapon by a few years. But in order to seize this moment, the U.S. and our allies must impose maximum pressure to the highest extent possible to force Iran to agree to permanently and verifiably end its nuclear program, including its capacity to enrich uranium.”

Ricketts also referenced recent statements from European partners: “Our European allies have said they are prepared to trigger snapback by the end of August if no firm, tangible, and verifiable nuclear commitments from Iran are in place. This is being done in close coordination with the Trump administration, which continues to pursue diplomatic talks with Iran. I commend our allies for setting a deadline. However, this path is under a timeline that leaves little room for error. Unsurprisingly, the Iranian regime is resorting to its longstanding playbook to delay, to delay, to delay and prevent snapback from happening. Later this week, the Iranians are scheduled to meet with the E3 in Istanbul. There are rumors that discussions could center on what conditions the E3 would postpone snapback. But I stand today to urge our European friends to hold the line and not bend to Iranian threats or be fooled by Iranian assurances.”

“A window now exists to completely change the trajectory of the Middle East for the better,” concluded Ricketts. “But that window will close unless we convince Iran that its nuclear weapons program will never be tolerated, period. That’s why this resolution urges the E3 to snapback sanctions as soon as possible. We must not let Iran off the hook.”