Skip to main content

Vallejo Times Herald - Mike Thompson backs Iran deal

August 6, 2015
News Articles

Staff

U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, a Vietnam combat veteran and former senior member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, came out this week in support of the President Obama's embattled Iran Nuclear Agreement.

"A nuclear-armed Iran is unacceptable," he said. "There are only two ways to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon: Diplomacy or military force. My first choice is diplomacy."

Thompson, who represents California's 5th district, which includes most of Napa and Solano counties, said he has been following this issue closely for many years.

"I have reviewed the intelligence, read the classified documents and had numerous meetings with experts both inside and outside of the Obama administration, including Nicholas Burns, who served as undersecretary of state under President George W. Bush," Thompson said. "After a careful and detailed evaluation, I believe the deal struck by the Obama administration is the best way forward. The intelligence clearly points toward the fact that this deal is better than the status quo. Iran is already a nuclear threshold state. If we continue down the current path, Iran will likely make progress in developing a nuclear weapon. Under this deal, we will be able to halt the Iranians' activities for 10 to 15 years, the International Atomic Energy Agency will have enormous access for inspections and Iran will be obligated to forever honor their inspections, and the United States and our allies will be able to fully engage the regime to do everything possible to make sure Iran never develops a nuclear weapon."

While he doesn't trust Iran or like its leadership, Thompson said President Obama is right when he says that one doesn't negotiate peace agreements with those you know, like and trust.

"This deal is in the best interest of the United States and our allies, Israel included," he said. "I will support the deal when it comes before Congress for a vote."

Six weeks from a September vote, House Republicans formally introduced a resolution of disapproval earlier this week. The GOP said they have the 218 votes for the resolution, with Rep. Peter Roskam, R-Ill., calling the accord a "dangerous agreement."

President Obama, meanwhile, is steadily securing the backing of Democrats crucial to ensuring the deal goes forward, with three senators and a representative announcing their support.

New York Senator Chuck Schumer said Thursday night that he would oppose the president's deal to limit Iran's nuclear program.

Issues:Defense