Kirk Slams Iran Deal, Says Obama Condemning Middle East To Nuclear War
CHICAGO (CBS) -- After President Barack Obama announced a landmark deal to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk called the agreement "unremittent garbage" and accused the president of wanting Iran to obtain a nuke.
The president has said the deal means Iran will not develop a nuclear weapon, or produce weapons-grade plutonium for a bomb, and will eliminate 98 percent of Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium.
Obama also has warned Congress it would be irresponsible to try to block the agreement.
"No deal means a greater chance of more war in the Middle East," the president said in announcing the deal.
However, Kirk argued the deal would actually pave the way for Iran to get a nuclear weapon.
"This is the greatest appeasement since Chamberlain gave Czechoslovakia to Hitler," he said. "Tens of thousands of people in the Middle East are gonna lose their lives because of this decision by Barack Hussein Obama."
Kirk noted the deal would grant Iran access to $100 billion in frozen assets when it has successfully executed the agreement.
"They will go onto the market as the most well-funded terrorists in history … buy whatever they want," Kirk said.
Congress has 60 days to review the agreement before the president can waive economic sanctions, and could approve a resolution of disapproval, but Obama could veto that to make sure the deal goes through, under a bill sponsored by U.S. Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tennessee).
"The only reason why the president supported the Corker legislation is because it allows him to get what he wants on Iran, which is to get nukes to Iran,"
U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth, who is running for Senate next year in a bid to unseat Kirk, said members of Congress need to put partisan politics aside, and carefully review the pact.
"My colleagues who condemn this proposed agreement without a viable alternative short of going to war are being reckless and irresponsible," she said.
Duckworth stopped short of embracing the deal, but said she was "encouraged" by the president's remarks about the agreement.
"It is imperative that members of Congress and the general public not rush to judgement on an agreement that will have enormous consequences not only for the Iranian nuclear program, but for U.S. national security interests throughout the region," she said. "I am committed to standing by our ally Israel and remain cautious and concerned about Iran's intentions. As I review this agreement, my focus will be on making sure that any sanctions relief is tied to a strong, verifiable inspection regime."
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, the second-highest ranking Democrat in the Senate, praised the deal.
"I commend our negotiators for this critical effort. Finding a diplomatic solution will make our country, our allies, and the world a safer place," he said.