Mr. Speaker, today our nation faces challenges across the globe, but there is no threat more central to current world order than the prospect of a nuclear armed Iran.

Tuesday, June 30, is the self-imposed negotiating deadline for the P5+1 over Iran’s illicit nuclear program. At this critical juncture I am thankful for the Administration’s repeated promise that no deal is better than a bad deal.

I want to remind my colleagues why this issue is so vital.

Even a threshold nuclear Iran – where they have a short breakout capacity – would lead to massive nuclear proliferation in the Middle East. We have already seen troubling statements from regional partners like Saudi Arabia about developing or purchasing nuclear weapons of their own.

Mr. Speaker, I don’t need to tell you the consequences of possible proliferation of the world’s most dangerous weapon in the world’s most dangerous region.

Just look at the destructive role Iran is already playing in this chaotic region without nuclear weapons.

Iran is the most active state sponsor of terrorism, sending weapons and support to Hamas and Hezbollah. It is actively assisting rebel advances in Yemen, it has long destabilized Iraq and Lebanon, and it is propping up the brutal Assad regime in Syria. Not to mention that this Iranian regime systematically violates its own citizen’s basic human rights.

That is why there is broad bipartisan support for preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, and on both sides of the aisle, we hope for a diplomatic solution to this crisis.

But we must be vigilant and ensure that if a deal is reached it truly is a good deal that verifiably prevents all Iranian pathways to a bomb.

Such a deal must include five key components: robust and intrusive inspections, phased sanctions relief that comes only as a result of Iranian compliance, dismantlement of key nuclear infrastructure, disclosure of possible military dimensions of the program, and a long timeline that gives the international community confidence that it can hold Iran accountable.

My colleagues and I will be watching closely and stand ready to scrutinize any final agreement to ensure the future security of our nation and that of our allies in the region.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I yield back.