Joe Lieberman

The greatest threat to peace is for Iran to get a nuclear weapons capability.

I worry... that nations, particularly dictatorial nations, when they are in domestic difficulty... very often look to generate an international crisis.

The right policy for the United States, in my judgment, is thus to stand by the invitation for international discussions.

I think the President is actually in a very strong position internationally, stronger than, let us say, President Bush was a couple of years ago.

The first is the possibility of international negotiations over the nuclear issue.

I believe a comprehensive application of economic sanctions on Iran is necessary and could be effective.

I think that President Bush's strategy of two paths... is the correct one, and I think that President Obama is essentially following that same basic strategy.

I support President Obama's initiative to engage with Iran.

This is a fanatical regime that is also an expansionist regime, and it has chosen to work through proxies, terrorist proxies.

I am deeply worried by this situation where I think because of the election, because of the just aggressive violence, oppression of any voice pushing back on the results of that election, that unfair election, that Ahmadinejad has been…

I believe that prudence demands that Congress begin to lay the groundwork for a different approach should Iran continue to reject meaningful negotiations.

I firmly believe, however, that using economic pressure is far superior to the extreme alternatives of standing idly by.

I have a terrible feeling that this situation is close to slipping beyond our ability to influence it.

We need to convince the Russians and the Chinese, the Europeans, the South Koreans, the Japanese, the Arab countries that are trading partners of Iran to join us in these sanctions.

I believe the Iranian government has been weakened by this whole episode and we should seek to diminish its strength further.

I can think of no foreign policy challenge to our country that is more serious and perhaps more pressing than the challenge of a nuclear-armed Iran.

The only thing that the fanatical regime in Tehran cares more about today than the development of nuclear weapons is the survival of their regime.

The President's offer of engagement has also put the regime on the defensive.

It is very good to see the spirit of bipartisanship at the outset.

I believe the United States should consider instead a series of security and economic measures to contain Iranian power in the Middle East.

It's time to give the President the tools he needs to do what is necessary to force a choice inside the halls of power in Tehran.

If President Obama is to offer talks to Tehran, it is only reasonable for China and Russia to pledge to join us in draconian sanctions on Iran should the talks break down.

I agree that the time has come for the United States and others to threaten much tougher sanctions on the Iranian regime.

Crippling sanctions are not only consistent with diplomacy; they are critical to any hope of its success.

I greatly appreciate the opportunity to appear before you and your distinguished Committee this morning.