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Schakowsky Statement on Iran Deal Implementation and Release of American Hostages

January 16, 2016

Today, Representative Jan Schakowsky released the following statement after it was announced that Iran had met its obligations in order for the Iran deal to be implemented. It was also announced that Iran released five American prisoners: Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian, Marine veteran Amir Hekmati, Saeed Abedini, Nosratollah Khosravi, and Matthew Trevithick:

“Today is a proud day for American diplomacy and for global security as the Iran agreement has been officially implemented. This deal was the end product of a long process that will prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

“The IAEA has certified that Iran has met its obligations: dismantling 13,000 installed centrifuges, shipping almost all of its stockpile out of the country, rendering its Arak reactor inoperable, and complying with inspections. In addition, the IAEA has concluded its investigation into possible military dimensions of the Iranian nuclear program.

“The long awaited release of five American prisoners held by Iran is welcome news, timed to coincide with the implementation of the agreement. Improved U.S. relations with Iran also allowed for the speedy return of sailors who were held after being taken in Iranian waters.

“While implementation day marks an important first step, the work of making sure that Iran fully adheres to it is just beginning. In addition, we must not allow the deal to be a cover for Iran to take aggressive actions outside the nuclear deal that can destabilize the region. For example, Iran’s testing of ballistic missiles is deeply disturbing and must be addressed.

“The United States and the P5+1 worked hard and long for this day, and now the international community must continue to work together to ensure that our diplomatic efforts succeed.”

Issues:Iran