The Jewish Community Relations Council of New York is deeply concerned with the announced terms of the deal with Iran. While we will review each of the specifics of the deal in greater detail, it appears that The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) has serious shortcomings and will not prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.

At this point in time, when President Obama is threatening to veto any vote in Congress disapproving the JCPOA, it is vital that Congress carefully scrutinize this agreement. In doing so, Congress must take into account national security concerns as well as the consequences of a more powerful Iranian regime. Iran is a nation that consistently calls for the destruction of both the United States and Israel, is the leading State Sponsor of Terrorism and terrorist groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah, and is one of the worst violators of human rights in the world. These concerns are not addressed in the deal, but must be considered by Congress.

The thrust of the deal relies on Iran’s good faith and the ability of the IAEA to effectively carry out inspections. With Iran’s history of acrimony, deceit and terror, it is difficult for us to have confidence that this deal will prevent a nuclear Iran.