Steil, GOP colleagues concerned about Biden, Iran nuclear negotiations

U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI) led16 Republican members of Congress in expressing concern with President Joe Biden about a nuclear arms deal with Iran, which continues to threaten the United States abroad.

“I remain very concerned that the Biden administration continues to set the wrong priorities by lifting sanctions and negotiating with the largest state sponsor of terrorism as they continue to attack us and increase their nuclear activities,” Rep. Steil said. “This administration is weakening our ability to combat the regime, and is increasing already heightened tensions in the Middle East.” 

Rep. Steil and his colleagues sent a Nov. 4 letter to Biden regarding reports that Iran resourced and encouraged an Oct. 21 drone attack at an American military outpost in southern Syria where roughly 200 U.S. troops are located.

“We must hold Iran accountable, and ensure we are protecting Americans, our troops and civilians in the region,” said the congressman in a Nov. 5 statement.  

In their letter sent to the president, Rep. Steil and his colleagues, who included U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), echoed that sentiment, saying that Iran’s threats continue even while the Biden administration keeps lifting U.S. sanctions.

“During a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, it sends a dangerous message to our friends and adversaries that we continue to lift sanctions and negotiate with the largest state sponsor of terrorism as they attack us,” wrote Rep. Steil and the lawmakers. “This attack is yet another reminder that your administration is setting the wrong priorities by working to re-enter the Iran nuclear deal.”

If Iran is willing to engage in such behavior while negotiations are ongoing, the members wrote, then the country likely won’t have any respect for the agreement “once the ink is dry.”