Lamar Alexander says he'll vote against Iran nuclear deal

Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chairman Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn. listens to testimony on July 21 on Capitol Hill in Washington.
Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chairman Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn. listens to testimony on July 21 on Capitol Hill in Washington.
photo Sen. Lamar Alexander speaks to reporters and editors Friday at the Chattanooga Times Free Press.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander said today he will vote against the Iran nuclear deal, arguing that it would not stop Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon and could even touch off a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.

The accord "does not sufficiently restrict Iran's nuclear program and makes no effort to put a brake on its other conduct as the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism," the Maryville Republican said in a statement.

"The agreement puts some limits on Iran's nuclear program, but it also legitimizes it, thereby encouraging a nuclear arms race in the most unstable area of the world," Alexander said. "The agreement takes the pressure off Iran at a time when pressure is likely to succeed."

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