Mattis: In US national security interest to stay in Iran deal
Source: CNN
By Barbara Starr, Zachary Cohen and Ryan Browne, CNN
Updated 12:01 PM ET, Tue October 3, 2017
Story highlights
Trump has repeatedly criticized the Iran deal
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said it would be a "great pity" if "rogue newcomers" destroy the deal
Washington (CNN)Secretary of Defense James Mattis said Tuesday that he believes it is in US national security interest to remain in the Iran nuclear agreement despite repeated hints from President Donald Trump that he is inclined to scrap the deal.
During a hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Sen. Angus King asked Mattis: "Do you believe it is in our national security interest at the present time to remain in the (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action)? That is a yes or no question."
Mattis replied, "Yes, senator, I do."
"The point I would make is if we can confirm that Iran is living by the agreement, if we can determine that this is in our best interests then clearly we should stay with it," Mattis added. "I believe at this point in time absent indications to the contrary, it is something the President should consider staying with."
But Mattis went on to explain that he also supports a rigorous review of national security issues related to Iran that may fall outside the exact terms of the agreement. ..............................
Read more: http://www.cnn.com/2017/10/03/politics/mattis-iran-nuclear-deal-national-security/index.html
MyOwnPeace
(16,923 posts)that we have a sane, reasonable person in Orange Cheat-o's Cabinet?
dembotoz
(16,796 posts)riversedge
(70,174 posts)Hope trump has his ears open!
Mark Murray Retweeted
NBC PoliticsVerified account @NBCPolitics 1h1 hour ago
James Mattis, going against Trump campaign promise, says staying in Iran Nuclear deal is in U.S. best interest during Senate hearing Tuesday
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