Chairman Wicker Issues Statement on the Memorandum of Understanding with Iran

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today released the following statement:

"Since day one, I have supported President Trump's efforts to end Iran's 47-year threat to the United States and our partners. I am concerned that the memorandum of understanding negotiates away the victories of Operation Epic Fury in ways that are completely out of step with the President's goals.

Specifically, the $300 billion fund for the reconstruction and economic development of Iran - though not funded by U.S. taxpayers - would make Iran's payoff under President Obama's 2015 deal look like a pittance by comparison. I believe it would be an error to force Israel to stand down against Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed terrorist organization that continues to attack Israel on its northern border. I also oppose the U.S. lifting any sanctions on Iran, or unfreezing Iranian funds, in exchange for Iran's mere agreement to negotiate for another 60 days. The Iranian regime has not renounced its ultimate goal - "Death to America, Death to Israel." The regime will invest every penny it receives to further that aim.

President Trump has pursued peace through strength. I hope the intermediaries working on this deal are not undermining that objective."