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Rubio Reaffirms 'No Enrichment' Stance as Committee Presses on Iran Deal
Summary
Secretary Rubio told the committee that the administration's position is clear: Iran must not retain an enrichment capability because enrichment leads rapidly to weapons capability; members pressed for congressional review and stronger sanctions authority.
Secretary Marco Rubio and committee members discussed the administration's position on Iran's nuclear program. Rubio reiterated the administration's public stance that Iran must not be allowed to retain enrichment capacity because presence of enrichment brings Iran close to weapons capability.
"Iran will never have a nuclear weapon," Rubio said, adding that "if Iran wants a civil nuclear program... there are ways to do that without enrichment." He described the administration's preference for a deal that eliminates enrichment and said that Congress has a role: any agreement would require statutory notifications and oversight.
Members asked whether the administration would consult Congress and whether proposed deals should be subject to statutory review; Rubio noted that legislation passed after the 2015 deal gives Congress a role and that his team expects congressional involvement.
Ending: Rubio said the president's position — that Iran must not gain a nuclear weapon — is firm and that the administration would use sanctions and diplomatic pressure where necessary; members signaled they will pursue additional sanctions authorities in legislation discussed in the hearing.
