Sen. Robert Menendez (D-New Jersey), the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed deep skepticism that negotiations between six world powers, known as the P5+1, and Iran are leading to a deal that is in the interest of the U.S. and its allies.
“I have to be honest with you: The more I hear from the administration and its quotes, the more it sounds like talking points that come straight out of Tehran,” said the visibly frustrated Menendez, addressing two administration witnesses at a hearing on the status of talks.
–
In response to similar concern voiced by Sen. Chris Coons (D-Delaware), Deputy Secretary of State Tony Blinken said the administration shared those concerns.
“That’s precisely why we’re driving to get a deal, if we get one, that satisfies very stringent requirements,” said Blinken. “And we also fully agree with you and other members of the committee that no deal is better than a bad deal, and indeed there have been opportunities to take a bad deal.”
