Pence Joins 14 Governors In Opposition To Iran Nuclear Deal

INDIANAPOLIS -- Gov. Mike Pence says the proposed nuclear agreement with Iran is a bad deal, and Indiana won’t lift state sanctions against the Middle Eastern nation in support of the agreement. 

In a letter to the state’s Congressional delegation urging them to reject the Iran deal, Pence says the agreement won’t make America or “our most cherished ally Israel” safer.  The governor criticizes what he calls a “temporary” halt to Iran’s nuclear ambitions, instead of a permanent dismantling. And he faults a deal that he says gives concessions to a country that funds terrorism.

Pence says Indiana will maintain its sanctions against Iran – that includes banning public investment in companies that do business with the country and barring state contractors from providing goods and services in excess of $20 million to Iran’s energy sector. 

The governor also promises to explore new steps he and the General Assembly can take to bolster its sanctions or show support for Israel.  Pence joined 14 other governors – including the leadership in Louisiana, New Jersey, Ohio and Wisconsin – in pledging to maintain sanctions against Iran.