February 9, 2006—This past Saturday, Iran was officially reported to the United Nations Security Council by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) over concerns of the Iran’s developing nuclear program.  International concerns have risen in regard to Iran’s obstinance to inspections by IAEA agents.  For months, the United States and Europe have been in discussions with the 35 member board of IAEA regarding the mounting situation.  Even before these talks began, Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-02) was on the floor of the House of Representatives formally calling for Iran to be referred to the UN Security Council.  Franks has been following Iran’s nuclear progress and intentions, and has grave concerns.

“As a member of the House Armed Services committee, I can say to you that Iran is a growing threat to world stability and humanity itself.  It is vitally important for the world to understand the ideology that fuels the Iranian regime and that it is now actively seeking nuclear weapons capability.”

“Since 1987, Iran has pursued a hidden nuclear program in flagrant violation of its treaty obligations.  In recent months, Iran has been bold in its threats against members of the Security Council and nations opposed to its nuclear weapons ambitions.  Iranian officials have repeated that they would stop honoring the “additional protocol” of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty if they were referred to the UN Security Council.  Iran has consistently and repeatedly flaunted its disrespect for, disregard of and disinterest in meeting its treaty obligations. Its leaders use threats, bluster, and distortion in their attempts to distract the international community and the Iranian people from their activity.”

“Iran’s leaders have made it clear that they are opposed to peace.  The current president of Iran has repeated his ultimate objective of destroying Israel and the United States.  The possibility of the regime in Iran having indigenous nuclear capability is a recipe for destruction that is unthinkable. And we absolutely must not make the cataclysmic error of believing that those now ruling in Iran have only peaceful purposes in developing nuclear capabilities.” 
 
Trent Franks is the Congressman from the 2nd Congressional District of Arizona.  He is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, the House Judiciary Committee and Vice Chairman of the Constitution Subcommittee.