Bill seeks to track Iranian nuclear capabilities

U.S. Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) recently introduced legislation to monitor Iran’s nuclear weapons and missile capabilities.

The Iran Nuclear Weapons Capability Monitoring Act of 2022 would establish a Department of State-spearheaded task force responsible for regularly reporting to appropriate congressional committees Iran’s nuclear weapons and missile activities.

“It is imperative the United States government stays focused on monitoring Iranian nuclear ambitions,” Graham said. “This legislation requires reports to Congress from relevant agencies on the status of the nuclear desires of the Iranian regime in several key areas. The best way for American leaders to make sound judgments about Iran is to have the most current and reliable information available. Our legislation also requires our government to collaborate with regional allies like Israel.”

Graham said no matter what happens with Iran’s nuclear negotiations, America must monitor the Iranian nuclear program.

Under the bill, the Secretary of State would be required to submit an annual diplomatic strategy for engaging with partners and domestic allies regarding nuclear weapons and missile activities that includes a description of domestic efforts to counter Iran projecting political and military influence.

“I am pleased to have worked with Sen. Graham to introduce this bipartisan legislation in light of the dangerous advancements in Iran’s nuclear program,” Menendez, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said. “With Iran’s unrelenting support of terrorism, its overmatching missile programs, and defiance in the face of international censure, there is no reason why the U.S. Congress should not receive the most up-to-date information about Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile activities or the Administration’s diplomatic efforts to address the threats posed by them.”