Diplomacy works! And so does people-powered, pro-peace advocacy.
Today marks a new chapter in the historic agreement to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran and the risk of another war. Today is Implementation Day of the Iran Deal. This is the day that the U.S. officially begins to lift sanctions—a step toward de-escalating conflict that FCNL has advocated for nearly a decade.
The UN nuclear watchdog has already verified that Iran has dramatically shrunk its nuclear program. For the first time in nearly a decade, Iran doesn’t have enough fuel to build a nuclear bomb.
Negotiations between the US and Iran secured the release of four prisoners, including the Iranian-American Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian. And in recent days, a conflict between U.S. and Iranian boats in the Persian Gulf underscored the broader potential the agreement has to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East. Just a few years this ago, this incident could have sparked a major crisis, but Iran’s quick release of U.S. sailors demonstrates the benefits of establishing channels for U.S.-Iran dialogue.
You are part of this success. We wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for millions of people across the country pressing lawmakers to support the Iran Deal, to ensure Congress didn’t block it.
However, some in Congress are still pressing for new sanctions and other efforts to sabotage the deal.
Let’s celebrate this momentous day by sending a message to our communities, media and elected representatives that diplomacy works. My colleague Kyle and I are looking forward to bringing your letters with us on our lobby visits to congressional offices.
Thank you for all you have done to make this day possible,
