On the recordMay 22, 2013
Mr. President, I rise in strong support of S. Res. 65, a resolution which sends Israel, Iran, and the region a clear message: We stand with our friends in Israel as they face the looming threat of a nuclear-capable Iran. I thank Senators Graham and Menendez for submitting this critical resolution, which comes as we face a dangerous crossroads in the Middle East. Iran's quest for a nuclear weapons capability is moving closer and closer to fruition. Talks with Iran have yet to achieve the progress necessary to restrain Iran's nuclear ambitions and to compel Iran to comply with the standards and norms expected of members of the world community. And while sanctions are having a significant impact on Iran's economy, they have not yet caused Iran's leaders to alter their course. Just yesterday, Iran's leaders again showed their uncompromising and hard-line stance by excluding viable opposition candidates from their upcoming Presidential election. There has been a special bond of friendship and cooperation between the U.S. and the State of Israel for over 60 years, which continues to retain broad bipartisan support. We should continue to support and expand the close military, intelligence, and security cooperation between our two countries. In this context, S. Res. 65 makes three vital points. First, it reiterates that it is U.S. policy to prevent Iran from achieving a nuclear weapons capability.…





