Jewish Federation Urges US Government to Continue Close Observation of Iranian Nuclear Efforts

Dec. 18, 2015, PITTSBURGH, PA — The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh strongly urges the United States government to continue to monitor the Iranian government closely beyond the duration of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the international agreement implemented in an effort to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. The Federation made this strong recommendation in the context of this week’s decision, by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to close its 12-year investigation of Iran’s nuclear weapons program. 

The IAEA decided to close the investigation despite an IAEA report, earlier this month, noting that Iran had maintained an organized nuclear weapons program until 2003 and continued elements of that program through at least 2009. Iran had long denied these allegations. 

“It is critically important to the security of the United States, Israel and the rest of the world that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon,” said Josh Sayles, director of community relations, Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh. “We are hopeful that the JCPOA accomplishes this goal, but we remain wary of Iran’s longstanding pattern of deceit in international relations. We urge Congress to remain vigilant not only now, but in the coming years and decades. The risk of Iran relaunching a nuclear weapons program is an issue of international security, and it is critical that we do not become complacent as time passes.” 

Additionally, in the event that new information arises about Iran’s nuclear history, Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh urges the United States government to investigate fully. 

The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, one of 151 independent Federations associated with The Jewish Federations of North America, raises and allocates funds to build community locally, in Israel and around the world. With the vision of a thriving, vibrant and engaged Jewish community, the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh aims to carry out its work in the context of cooperation and inclusiveness.