The Iran nuclear deal is a historic achievement for U.S. national security.
Just two years ago, Iran’s nuclear program was steadily expanding and we were on the brink of war. Now, thanks to this agreement, we have a clear road map to a comprehensive agreement that will slash Iran’s nuclear program, freeze it, lock it up and put cameras on it.
The agreement does three things. It blocks all of Iran’s pathways to a nuclear bomb. It imposes tough inspections to catch Iran should it try to break out, sneak out or creep out of the deal. And it keeps our coalition united to enforce the deal.
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Under this deal, Iran has agreed to rip out two-thirds of its centrifuges and cut its stockpile of uranium gas by 97 percent. It will not be able to make any uranium or plutonium for a bomb. Many of the restrictions in the agreement continue for 25 years and some — like the inspections and the ban on building nuclear weapons — last forever.
There is a catch. This agreement is just the first step — a framework with details that must be finalized over the next several months. That gives critics time to kill the deal. Members of Congress already have bills lined up that will do just that.
This deal is good for us, good for Israel and good for the world. It prevents an Iranian nuclear bomb, nobody dies and it doesn’t cost us a dime. This deal deserves our support.
Cirincione is president of Ploughshares Fund and author of “Nuclear Nightmares.”
