2013 Briefing Book - Print Version - Aipac

IRAN
Iran—Key Principles
PREVENT A NUCLEAR-ARMED IRAN: American policy must unabashedly seek to
prevent Iran from achieving a nuclear-weapons capability. A nuclear-armed Iran
would spur a nuclear arms race in the Middle East; fatally undermine the global
nuclear non-proliferation regime; dramatically increase the threat of nuclear terror;
significantly aggrandize Iranian power and influence at the expense of pro-Western
states; undermine American credibility and efforts in the region and pose a serious
prospect for the actual use of nuclear weapons.
THWART IRANIAN TERRORISM: The United States should work to prevent Iranian
acts of terrorism and end Tehran’s support for terrorist groups, including Hamas
and Hizballah. The United States must stand with Israel as it confronts Iranianbacked
terrorists.
SUPPORT THE IRANIAN PEOPLE: The United States should promote human rights in
Iran and stand with the Iranian people in opposition to the brutal mullah regime.
ENGAGE AND PRESSURE: Although the United States should remain open to
serious talks aimed at ending the Iranian nuclear weapons program, Iran cannot
be allowed to use talks as a ruse to advance its nuclear program and avoid tougher
sanctions. The international community must increase pressure on Iran until it
abandons its dangerous nuclear quest.
IMPLEMENT TOUGH SANCTIONS: Congress must ensure that U.S. financial and
political sanctions are implemented and enforced stringently. This pressure is the
last best hope of persuading Iran to suspend its pursuit of nuclear weapons through
political, economic and diplomatic means.
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