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Iran's Record of Deception
(USA Today) Robert Menendez - We all aspire for a diplomatic resolution resulting in a peaceful and verifiable termination of Iran's nuclear weapons program. But we cannot substitute wild-eyed hope for clear-eyed pragmatism given Iran's record of deception. A so-called Iranian charm offensive is simultaneously matched by an actual offensive to cross the nuclear weapons threshold. Tougher sanctions will serve as an incentive for Iran to verifiably dismantle its nuclear weapons program. When Iran complies, sanctions can be unwound and economic relief will follow. It's a necessary insurance policy, too. Should Iran fail to negotiate in good faith or abide by any agreement, the penalties will be severe. Congress is appropriately pursuing sanctions that the P5+1 powers have long supported, letting the Iranians know what awaits if it continues its to-date unabated pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) is chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.