News Local/State

Kirk Expresses Doubts About Iran Deal

 

U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk has added his voice to those voicing skepticism Iran will stick to a new nuclear deal.

Iran agreed Sunday to a six-month pause of its nuclear program while talks aimed at preventing it from developing a nuclear weapon continue. Sanctions will be loosened and international observers will monitor Iran's nuclear sites.
 
In a statement emailed Sunday, Kirk argued that one of the "world's leading state sponsor of terrorism'' appeared to be receiving billions in sanctions relief "in exchange for cosmetic concessions.''
 
The Republican added he would keep working "to craft bipartisan legislation that will impose tough new economic sanctions'' if the accord unravels.
 
Many Republican and Democratic lawmakers have expressed reservations about what's the most significant deal between Washington and Tehran in decades of estrangement.