Thank you for joining us today. This hearing will focus on Iran and examine the relationship between Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons and its status as a state-sponsor of terrorism. Some have argued that we should de-link Iran’s global support for terror from its pursuit of nuclear weapons. They suggest that the two problems are different and need to be addressed separately. 

I couldn’t disagree more. The facts that Iran is trying to build nuclear weapons AND that it is a terrorist regime are not two different problems – they are the same problem. Possession of nuclear capabilities by responsible governments who use such weapons defensively and as a deterrent, and who have a track record of respecting life and liberty is one thing. But that’s not what we’re dealing with here. A nuclear weapon in the hands of the regime in Tehran could 
mean that no one on Earth is safe from nuclear attack. Iran has a history of supporting terror against its own citizens and against U.S. – and is why the State Department lists it as a state sponsor of terrorism. Permitting a more destructive weapon in the hands of those motivated to murder is worse than reckless, it is immoral. I am convinced that history will judge those who spent more time talking and less time acting to prevent such a disaster. 

Action is demanded when we move from talking about nuclear proliferation to talking about just who it is that’s proliferating.