Nebraska Panhandle News

Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) delivered a speech on the Senate floor urging European allies to reject Iran's threats and delaying tactics in the upcoming talks on the Iranian nuclear program. The speech was in support of a resolution cosponsored by 19 other Senators, calling for the E3—United Kingdom, France, and Germany—to trigger the snapback of UN sanctions against Iran as soon as possible.

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

Ricketts highlighted that Iran is currently weaker than it has been since the 1980s. "[Trump’s] strikes have delayed Iran’s path to a nuclear weapon by a few years," he said. "But in order to seize this moment, the U.S. and our allies must impose maximum pressure to force Iran to agree to permanently and verifiably end its nuclear program."

He noted that European allies are prepared to trigger snapback sanctions by the end of August if no firm commitments from Iran are made. "This is being done in close coordination with the Trump administration," Ricketts added. He expressed concern over Iran's tactics to delay actions against them.

Later this week, discussions between Iranians and E3 are scheduled in Istanbul, where conditions for postponing snapback might be discussed. Ricketts urged European friends not to bend under Iranian threats or assurances.

"A window now exists to completely change the trajectory of the Middle East for the better," concluded Ricketts. "We must not let Iran off the hook."