Bipartisan Skepticism Greets Renewed Iran Talks On Capitol Hill

On Wednesday, senators from both parties (bipartisan) express skepticism over renewed US-Iran talks on hostages and nuclear program.

According to anonymous U.S. officials quoted by The SurgeZircUS media, persistent rumors and reports of renewed engagements between the United States and the Iranian government that have reportedly been happening periodically throughout the year through Oman’s mediation were confirmed.

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According to Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), “I have a hard time seeing an Iranian government that’s cracking down on people in the way they are currently as sort of having the credibility to deliver a [nuclear] deal.” I figure you would see, as even we who were supporting the JCPOA, we’re so doubtful of Iran right now that you wouldn’t simply get individuals up here who — because they upheld previously — are about to be [supportive].”

Kaine said Iran’s “misbehavior in the region, but particularly against its people,” has “led to intense skepticism.”

However, he stated that “we’ve got to be in talks over hostages for sure” and that he does not, in principle, oppose the concept of dialogue with the regime.

He stated, “Dialogue does not guarantee anything.” A lack of success is frequently a guarantee when there is no dialogue. So, I’m all for discussion, but there would be much skepticism right now.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), a vocal supporter of Iran talks and a critic of Israel, was slightly more supportive of the rumored discussions with Iran.

“I think it is in our and everyone else’s interests in the region to try to lower the temperature and lower the risk that Iran will get a nuclear weapon and continue to enrich. Van Hollen stated, “I support an effort to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. I don’t know all the details.”

Van Hollen responded, “There are lots of factors, but, again, we’ve got to keep our eye on the ball here and the overall result,” when asked about Kaine’s belief that his colleagues might not well receive a new nuclear agreement. He was interrupted by a closing subway door.

Republicans, on the other hand, opposed the rumored start of talks.

“If that’s the case, I’m extremely discouraged… This whole approach to Iran is a wrongheaded move that makes our nation less safe, makes the entire region unstable, and I’m very disappointed to hear,” Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN) stated that he had not yet seen the Wall Street Journal report.

Additionally, Hagerty, a Senate Foreign Relations Committee member, stated that the Biden administration had not informed lawmakers of any new negotiations. Following a closed briefing last month, senators stated that the administration had not communicated any progress toward an agreement with Iran. Additionally, last week, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez (D-NJ) informed JI that he was unaware of the reported progress toward an interim agreement.

Hagerty stated, “If they’ve notified anyone up here, it’s news to me.”

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) responded, “God no,” when asked if the administration had disclosed the discussions to Congress.

“I think what they’re trying to do is do sanctions relief, getting around Congress,” Graham said. The administration is required to submit any agreement with Iran regarding its nuclear program for congressional review, but critics speculate it is seeking to sidestep those requirements. “They want a deal so bad they can taste it. They’ll crawl through glass for it. It’s unseemly.”

The South Carolina senator said he doesn’t think that easing sanctions or making other payments to the regime is the right way to free American hostages held in Iran. Instead, he wants to tighten sanctions on the regime even more.

Being weak will not help you solve the problem. We have individuals in a hostage situation. He replied, “I understand; I would also like to get them out.” However, the concept of offering billions of dollars for consideration is absurd. More hostages will be taken.

On Wednesday, Graham, Menendez, and Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) also introduced legislation requiring the director of national intelligence to notify Congress within 48 hours of Iran’s production or possession of uranium with more than 60% purity.

The Iranian Enrichment Monitoring Act is a new step in Graham, Menendez, and other lawmakers’ efforts to increase congressional oversight of Iran’s nuclear program and information sharing.

If Iran were to enrich more than 10 kilograms of uranium to a purity at least 5% higher than the previous notification, the DNI would be required to notify Congress again after the initial notification.

“This legislation will ensure that Congress is informed in a timely manner of advancements by Iran regarding their desire to build a nuclear weapon,” Graham said in a statement. “I believe there is tremendous bipartisan support for this idea, and I hope it becomes law as soon as possible.”

Separately, Graham informed JI that he and Blumenthal were introducing legislation to directly sanction Ayatollah Khomeini, Iran’s supreme leader, as an individual.

On Wednesday, Blumenthal stated that he was “not clear” on “what’s actually happening” and declined to speak with JI about the renewed nuclear negotiations with the regime.

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Regarding the monitoring bill, Blumenthal said, “Monitoring Iran’s nuclear program and requiring Congress to be notified of significant enrichment activity will ensure our nation is fully aware of their capabilities. With proper safeguards and intelligence, we can be prepared to address the risks and dangers that may arise from Iran’s potential development of a nuclear weapon.”

“Every minute counts when it comes to monitoring the dangerous advancements in Iran’s nuclear program,” Menendez said in a statement. “This act will help ensure Congress is fully equipped with information about the developments of Iran’s nuclear program and ensure the United States can respond to Iran’s provocations.”