Peters meets Arab American activists, Sept. 1

WASHINGTON – Sen. Gary Peters announced on Tuesday that he will vote in favor of the Iran nuclear agreement. 

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was signed in Vienna in July between Iran, the United States and the other leading world powers in the P5+1. The deal decreases Iran’s uranium enrichment to a point that makes it impossible to use for military purposes in exchange for lifting economic sanctions on the Islamic Republic.

In a long statement justifying his stance, Peters criticized the agreement for unfreezing Iranian assets. He said Iran could use the funds for “financing terrorist activity,” adding that a nuclear-armed Iran jeopardizes global security and poses and existentialist threat to Israel.

However, he added that the deal has no viable alternative.

“Despite my serious reservations, I will reluctantly vote against a motion of disapproval because I believe that doing so will protect the credibility of the United States to hold Iran accountable to adhere to every single obligation in the JCPOA,” Peters said. “But if Iran fails to meet its international obligations under this accord, I will support the immediate reinstatement of Congressional sanctions, and I will encourage my colleagues in Congress to do the same.”

The senator called on the United States to reaffirm its commitment to Israel’s security and bolster the Zionist state’s defense capabilities.

Peters, who returned from an official visit to the Middle East this week, said he attended Congressional briefings, met with several officials in the Obama Administration, spoke with foreign ambassadors and consulted experts before making his decision. 

“I have heard from Michiganders on both sides of this issue, who have fervent and passionate beliefs about their position, but all of who shared the same goal of a more peaceful and secure world,” he said. “I am grateful to have had the benefit of their insights while evaluating this difficult decision.”

Peters met with Arab American activists and heads of organizations at the offices of The Arab American News last week before embarking on his Mideast trip.

The activists urged him to support the deal to promote world peace.

Peters joins fellow Michigan Democratic lawmakers, Sen. Debbie Stabenow and Reps. Debbie Dingell, Sander Levin and Brenda Lawrence, in supporting the agreement.