Dear Ms ___________:
Thank you for contacting me about Iran’s nuclear program and the threat it poses to international security. As a member of the Senate Armed Services, Foreign Relations, and Intelligence Committees, I have a particular interest in this issue.
In a confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Service Committee, Admiral William J. Fallon stated that, "Iranian support for terrorism and sectarian violence beyond its borders, and its pursuit of nuclear capability, is destabilizing and troubling." Iran’s actions in Iraq need to be addressed as we move forward to provide stability in the region.
Iran continues to pursue a nuclear capability. We do not know the size of the overall Iranian nuclear program, and without independent inspectors, we cannot be sure that Iran is not building a nuclear arsenal. Iran’s actions have shattered the confidence of the international community, and the stakes are too high for complacency.
I view Iran as one of the most serious threats to the United States and our allies. I believe the Administration should make every effort to pursue diplomacy and negotiations to address this threat. Russia and China can and must play an active and responsible role in heading off the crisis. To back up our negotiations and diplomacy, the threat of military force must remain on the table. But, clearly, the most important step we can take towards addressing the threat from Iran is to resolve the situation in Iraq.
Please know that I will continue to monitor the Iranian situation closely, and I will keep your views in mind as it develops.
