Schakowsky Statement on Extension of Iran Nuclear Negotiations

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Jan Schakowsky released the following statement upon word of an extension of the Joint Plan of Action (JPOA) negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 countries (United States, Russia, China, United Kingdom, and France, plus Germany):

“I am disappointed that the parties to the Joint Plan of Action nuclear negotiations were unable to reach an agreement by today’s deadline, but I support the decision to continue these talks until July 1, 2015. I will work with my colleagues to see that nothing is done to impede the negotiations as they continue.

I remain committed to preventing Iran from developing and fielding a nuclear weapon. We have seen meaningful progress since the Joint Plan of Action was agreed to in November 2013. Under this plan, Iran has downblended and stopped production of 20% enriched uranium, halted work on its Arak hard water facility, and allowed daily inspections of its enrichment facilities. None of these achievements would be in place without the Joint Plan of Action, and we shouldn’t abandon this progress today.

I will continue to monitor these critical negotiations over coming months, and I look forward to the unveiling of a political framework by March 1, 2015.”