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For Immediate Release Washington, DC – National Iranian American Council (NIAC) Policy Director Jamal Abdi released the following statement regarding today’s final passage of H.R.6523, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): “NIAC strongly supports the NDAA’s inclusion of a provision to assess the merits an Incidents at Sea agreement between the US, Iran, and other states to avoid military confrontation in the Persian Gulf.” “This is a serious, productive proposal endorsed by US military leaders that offers a departure from the dangerous confrontational approach that dominates relations between Iran and the US. We commend the efforts of Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) and Rep. Geoff Davis (R-KY) to advance this positive measure.” “We have seen conflict and the drive for war between the US and Iran stoked by those who do not want to see a peaceful resolution to the tensions that separate us. Perpetuating confrontation puts US national security at risk and undermines the Iranian people who seek democracy, human rights, and rule of law. It is a tactic that only benefits hardliners.” “It is welcome to see policymakers advance a proposal that is serious in seeking progress towards a peaceful resolution to our differences with Iran. An Incidents at Sea agreement, if pursued, can enhance US security, protect against a dangerous military confrontation, and support an opening to peacefully resolve our issues with Iran through engagement.” “Some in Congress have pressured the Obama Administration to retreat from diplomatic engagement and publicly threaten Iran with military action. This would be a dangerous return to the failed approach of the Bush Administration that offered only saber-rattling in place of real solutions to the serious issues we confront.” “We applaud productive efforts by those in Congress who seek opportunities to reduce tensions in the Persian Gulf region, increase stability in the Middle East, and prevent military confrontation.” |
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