US Senators Vow ‘Rigorous’ Oversight of Iran Nuclear Deal
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Two US senators pledged a “rigorous” oversight of Iran’s nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), before it is formally implemented.
Senators Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), the chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, and Ben Cardin (D-Md.), the committee's ranking member, wrote a letter to President Barack Obama on Thursday providing outlines of their plan for probing the agreement, which was clinched between Iran and six world powers in Vienna, Austria, on July 14, The Hill reported on Friday.
"As the (deal) with Iran moves toward Implementation Day, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will initiate a rigorous program to ensure effective Congressional monitoring and oversight of this agreement as well as its regional and nonproliferation implications," the two senators wrote.
According to the letter, the senators are expected to hold a hearing this month to discuss the IAEA's recent report on the so-called possible military dimensions (PMD) of Iran's nuclear program.
The report added that the two senators also plan to hold a hearing on Iran's compliance with the agreement, as well as Iran’s ballistic missile program.
They are requesting testimony from Stephen Mull, the lead coordinator for implementing the deal, as well as the State Department's top official for political affairs.
On December 2, the IAEA released a report on Iran’s past nuclear activities, saying it has found no indications of diversion of nuclear material related to the so-called possible military dimensions (PMD) in Iran's nuclear program.
In its report on Wednesday, the UN nuclear monitoring body said the alleged suspected activities in Iran's nuclear program "did not advance beyond feasibility and scientific studies, and the acquisition of certain relevant technical competences and capabilities."