On September 09, ASP Board Member Admiral William Fallon testified on the Implications of a Nuclear Agreement with Iran before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. He was joined in testifying before members of Congress by General Charles Wald, Vice Admiral John Bird, and Leon Wieseltier who is the Isaiah Berlin Senior Fellow in Culture and Policy at the Brookings Institute.

In Admiral Fallon’s written testimony, he highlights his military resume and his firsthand experience dealing with Iranian foreign policy and its proxies, and notes:

“I am under no illusions regarding Iranian government behavior since the Islamic Revolution and believe that some elements in that country would be very pleased to possess nuclear weapons.”

He goes on to express his support for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and recommends that members of Congress support the JCPOA.

“Frankly, I was positively surprised but pleased that the many diverse interests represented in the negotiations could coalesce in agreement in a document that on balance gives us a very reasonable way forward.”

Admiral Fallon concludes his written testimony by addressing the concerns of some members of congress that U.S. commitment to implementing the JCPOA will force the U.S. to overlook Iran’s support for terrorist organizations and other nefarious activities.

“In addressing Iran’s malign activities globally, we should make clear at every opportunity that cooperation with Iran in the current Nuclear Weapons issue will not in any way excuse or cause us to ignore Iranian bad behavior in other areas. Having demonstrated our sincerity in the JCPOA negotiation and the example of benefit from international cooperation, we could explore additional opportunities of mutual interest while maintaining vigilance and a firm line on potentially destabilizing Iranian actions.”

Admiral Fallon’s full written testimony can be found here.

Hearing: Implications of a Nuclear Agreement with Iran (Part IV)

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