Washington, D.C. (July 21, 2014) -- The Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) warned today that the Obama administration’s failure to reach an agreement with Iran during six months of negotiations threatens the security of the U.S. and our allies. Despite White House opposition, this latest setback should convince Congress to press ahead with legislation that would strengthen the hands of U.S. negotiators by imposing stronger sanctions on the Tehran regime if no agreement is reached.

RJC Executive Director Matt Brooks said:

After President Obama pressured Democrats in Congress to block bipartisan sanctions bills, Iran responded by pocketing billions in sanctions relief and stonewalling at the negotiating table for the last six months. Now Obama is rewarding Iran with $2.8 billion in additional sanctions relief and extending the talks until late November. The Obama administration’s Iran policy is failing and the costs of failure for our national security and the security of our Middle Eastern allies - especially Israel - are heavy.

Congress needs to assert itself as soon as possible. Sensible bipartisan legislation to hit Iran with stiff new sanctions if it continues defying international demands to halt its nuclear weapons efforts should move forward.