Congresswoman Escobar Statement on Iran Deal

Today, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) released the following statement reacting to the Trump administration's deal in Iran:

"During Trump's first term in office, he arrogantly ripped up a U.S.-led diplomatic deal between international partners and Iran (the JCPOA) - negotiated over nearly two years - that prevented Iran from becoming a nuclear power, ensured by law that inspectors would have access to its sites, kept sanctions in place and kept Iran accountable. No American servicemember lives were lost, no American servicemembers were injured, and the Strait of Hormuz was open.

"Yet Trump and Republicans believed they could do better and enthusiastically cheered on a new war they called 'Epic Fury.' The result was that America lost 13 Americans and hundreds of members of our military will now have to deal with life-changing, permanent traumatic brain injuries, and we've spent hundreds of billions of dollars bombing Iran. The global economy has been taken to the brink, farmers faced fertilizer shortages and higher costs, and all the while, Americans paid the price at the gas pump and the grocery store.

"Trump has said he's open to Iran's nuclear enrichment and agreed to Iran being provided access to a $300 billion reconstruction fund. He has allowed them to immediately be able to sell its oil without sanctions, and the more difficult issues have yet to be resolved.

"Although he clearly understands the need to stop this war of choice, we'll never hear Donald Trump admit he was wrong. He has empowered Iran and lessened America's stature in the world.

"I truly hope this war is over. It should have never started. And the American people should hold the president and his party accountable for this humiliating and deadly capitulation."