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Menendez: Keep up sanctions pressure with Iran

Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) listens as former White House Chief of Staff Jacob Lew testifies during his Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearing to be the next Treasury Secretary on February 13, 2013 in Washington, D.C. UPI/Kevin Dietsch
Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) listens as former White House Chief of Staff Jacob Lew testifies during his Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearing to be the next Treasury Secretary on February 13, 2013 in Washington, D.C. UPI/Kevin Dietsch | License Photo

WASHINGTON, March 4 (UPI) -- Sen. Robert Menendez told the American Israeli Political Action Committee Tuesday he is "deeply skeptical" of diplomatic efforts with Iran.

Menendez, D-N.J., is chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. In his speech, he said negotiations on Iran's nuclear capability "must be reinforced by continuous international commitment to sanctions regime against Iran."

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"So while I welcome diplomatic efforts and I share the hope that the administration can achieve a final comprehensive agreement that eliminates this threat to global peace and security, I am deeply, deeply skeptical based upon these 21 years of experience," he said.

Iran insists that its nuclear program is for power generation only. But Menendez argued that Iran wants nuclear weapons as part of its effort to become the major power in its region.

Menendez said sanctions must only be loosened in return for verifiable steps on Iran's part to dismantle its nuclear program.

"It is clear that the only intense, punishing economic pressure influences Iranian leaders," he said.

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