WASHINGTON, DC—Representative Eliot L. Engel, the leading Democrat on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement regarding the proposal announced by Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif:

“Ever since the P5+1 and Iran agreed to the terms of the Joint Plan of Action, I have said that this should be a temporary arrangement—not a final agreement—because it would not preclude a relatively rapid ‘breakout’ by Iran. Now, Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif appears to be saying that the JPOA should be considered a comprehensive deal, and that Iran should be free to produce unlimited amounts of enriched uranium after a relatively short period of time. After six months of negotiations, I’m disappointed that the Iranians continue posturing rather than working toward a real solution. Mr. Zarif’s proposal doesn't give negotiators much to work with.”

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