Analysis of Faults in the Menendez-Kirk Iran Sanctions Bill (S. 1881) | Center for Arms Control & Non-Proliferation

Analysis of Faults in the Menendez-Kirk Iran Sanctions Bill (S. 1881) | Center for Arms Control & Non-Proliferation: Section 301(a)(2)(F) requires the President to certify that the United States seeks an agreement “that will dismantle Iran’s illicit nuclear infrastructure.” But while Iran may agree in the end to dismantle some of its nuclear infrastructure, there is no realistic chance that it will dismantle all of its uranium enrichment capability. In order for the President to make this certification, therefore, he will have to argue either that “you didn’t say all of Iran’s illicit nuclear infrastructure” (although that is clearly the bill’s intent) or that “if the negotiators agree to allow some level of nuclear enrichment in Iran, then the facilities are no longer illicit” (which begins to sound like statements by Richard Nixon or the Queen of Hearts).