New Hampshire senator declares support for Iran nuclear deal

U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) released a statement on Thursday declaring her support for adoption of the international agreement with Iran on its nuclear program.

“I’ve concluded that this is the best available option we have for preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon," Shaheen said. "When this agreement comes to the Senate floor in September, I intend to support it. Rejecting this agreement would leave us with no credible non-military options for stopping Iran’s nuclear weapons program."

The agreement was made between the international community and Iran, and it would lift sanctions if Iran reduces its stockpiles of uranium significantly and eliminates its ability to create weapons-grade uranium.

As part of the agreement, the Iranian government would be obligated to allow the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to conduct regular monitoring of all nuclear activity in the country and to report any discrepancies and violations to the international community. Shaheen said the U.S. remains vigilant in its commitment to allies in the region.

"This agreement is not about becoming friends with Iran or turning a blind eye to its efforts to destabilize the Middle East," Shaheen said. "We must redouble efforts to help our other allies counter Iran’s malign influence in the region. In particular, our commitment to the defense of Israel remains unshakeable, and we must maintain vigorous sanctions against Iran for its support for terrorism and violations of human rights.”