Tester meets with Israeli Ambassador and former U.S. Ambassadors to ask tough questions about Iran nuclear agreement

After reading agreement, Senator talks specifics with Ambassadors

(U.S. Senate)-Senator Jon Tester today met with Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Ron Dermer, to ask tough questions regarding the specifics of the Iran nuclear agreement.

“In order to make an informed decision, it’s critical that folks in Congress gather as much input as possible,” Tester said after the meetings. “Today I got the chance to ask specific questions and hear concerns from the ambassadors. Their analysis of the agreement and the feedback from folks in Montana will help me cast a well-informed vote to prevent a nuclear Iran.”

Tester also met with former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Daniel Kurtzer and former U.S. Ambassador William Luers and asked them how the agreement could affect Israel and the impact the agreement would have on our allies should sanctions on Iran be lifted.

On July 14, the United States, China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, Germany and Iran negotiated an agreement with the goal of preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. Congress is currently in the middle of a 60-day review period.

After reading the entire agreement, Tester posted it on his website for all Montanans to access and encouraged them to submit their thoughts before he makes a final decision.

Last week, Tester asked President Obama specific questions regarding details of the agreement before deciding whether he will support it. Tester has also discussed the agreement with Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz and Treasury Secretary Jack Lew.

As a member of the Senate Banking Committee, Tester voted for the crippling economic sanctions that helped bring Iran to the negotiating table and supported legislation that gave Congress the authority to review the negotiated deal.