Finally, buried in final provisions in the agreement is one article which stipulates that world powers and Iran will foster “cooperation through training and workshops to strengthen Iran’s ability to protect against, and respond to, nuclear security threats, including sabotage, as well to enable effective and sustainable nuclear security and physical protection systems.” Yes, that’s what it says. (See the front page news story for more details.)
What’s more, the provision did not appear in the April interim deal but was added to the final agreement at the last minute. Surely, the process by which something of such import could slip in between the cracks, as it were, cries out for congressional attention.
These and other issues will doubtless be the focus as Congress goes about its review. Most observers are pointing to the outsized role New York Senator Chuck Schumer is likely to play. He is widely respected by his Democratic colleagues and is expected be elected majority leader should the Democrats win control of the Senate in 2016, replacing the retiring Harry Reid.
Mr. Schumer is smart and savvy in the ways of Washington and many look to him for leadership on key issues – particularly on matters related to the security of the U.S. and Israel. It seems clear that if he supports the Iran deal, the chances for passage of the kind of remedial legislation abrogating the agreement that would survive a presidential veto are next to nil.
We hope that, upon careful consideration, Senator Schumer will vote “no” on the agreement and bring along many of his Democratic colleagues.