Iran agreement defeats US neocons: Ron Paul

Former US presidential candidate Ron Paul says the successful conclusion of nuclear talks between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries has defeated America’s neoconservatives seeking war against the Islamic Republic.  

In an article published by the Ron Paul Institute on Monday, the former congressman called the agreement one of the two most important achievements of the Obama administration.

“Along with the ongoing process of normalizing relations with Cuba, this move shows that diplomacy can produce peaceful, positive changes,” he wrote. “The president should be commended for both of these achievements.”

Paul said the most important thing about the agreement is that it will eliminate illegal restrictions against Iran, and called the sanctions “an act of war.”

After more than two weeks of intensive talks, Iran and the P5+1 group of countries - the US, Britain, France, Russia, China, and Germany – announced the conclusion of nuclear negotiations in the Austrian capital, Vienna, on July 14.

According to the text of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Iran will be recognized by the United Nations as a nuclear power and will continue its uranium enrichment program.

But some restrictions will be placed on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for the removal of sanctions against the Islamic Republic.

“It is unfortunate that Iran was forced… to allow restrictions on a nuclear energy program that was never found to be in violation of the Non-Proliferation Treaty,” Paul wrote.

“But if the net result is the end of sanctions and at least a temporary reprieve from the constant neocon demands for attack, there is much to cheer in the agreement,” he added.

The veteran politician wrote that although the agreement has reduced the chance of a US war against Iran, “but the interventionists will not give up so easily.”

He warned that “already they are organizing media and lobbying efforts to defeat the agreement in Congress.”

But, he wrote, they are unlikely to gather enough votes in Congress to kill the accord.

Paul said that even “if the neocons can force the US out of the deal it may not make much difference.”

“Which of our allies… will be enthusiastic about going back to the days of a trade embargo? Which will support an attack on an Iran that has proven to be an important trading partner…?” he asked.

Most Republicans oppose the nuclear agreement with Iran, but they need a two-thirds vote in both chambers of Congress to override a possible presidential veto, and to reach that threshold, Republicans need Democratic support.

The White House has launched a sales pitch to the Republican-controlled Congress, which remains skeptical of the nuclear accord with Iran, and has 60 days to vote to either approve or disapprove of it.

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