On the recordJanuary 10, 2018
Mr. President, I rise today to discuss my thoughts on recent protests in Iran and the important upcoming decisions by the President with respect to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or the JCPOA. While I am mindful that we have limited visibility into Iran and continue to learn more about the circumstances and motivations of the recent protests, one thing is clear: A significant portion of the Iranian people are not satisfied with their government and are increasingly willing to make their dissatisfaction heard. It is important that we support their right to peacefully express their views and demand that the Iranian Government respond with constructive dialogue, rather than force. It was notable that Iranian President Ruhani implicitly recognized the validity of the protests earlier this week when he reportedly said: It would be a misrepresentation and also an insult to Iranian people to say they only had economic demands. . . . People had economic, political and social demands That is according to President Ruhani. Acknowledging the need for reform, Ruhani continued: We cannot pick a lifestyle and tell two generations after us to live like that. It is impossible. The views of the young generation about life and the world is different than ours. Now is the time to support the Iranian people in their quest for a government that is more representative and supportive of their interests.…





