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16 Jul, 2015

Iranian-Americans Applaud Nuclear Agreement between World Powers and Iran

WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) applauds today’s historic announcement that the P5+1 coalition (U.S., U.K., France, Russia, China, and Germany) and Iran have successfully negotiated a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action agreement over Iran’s nuclear program.

“As an organization that represents the Iranian American community, PAAIA supports efforts to pursue a peaceful resolution to the decade-long stalemate over Iran’s nuclear program,” said Dr. Leila Austin, the Executive Director of the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans. “We welcome today’s announcement and are hopeful that it will establish a solid foundation for continued dialogue.”

The diplomatic agreement could be a breakthrough for Americans and Iranians alike, opening possibilities for greater people-to-people ties between the United States and Iran through cultural and educational exchanges. Such exchanges with Iran will uphold positive features of American society and help cultivate the goodwill of the Iranian people towards the United States.

Iranian Americans have strong ties to the people of Iran. They want to see an Iran that is pluralistic and democratic and are hopeful that – in the wake of an agreement – life will improve for the people of Iran.

The results of PAAIA’s 2015 Public Opinion Survey show that both Iranian Americans and the American public at large are supportive of a nuclear agreement with Iran. Nearly two-thirds of Iranian Americans (64%) approved of the P5+1 framework agreement with Iran designed to place limits on Iran’s nuclear program, with eight in ten saying that President Obama has been effective in handling negotiations with Iran. Overall U.S. opinion also leans in support of a nuclear agreement with Iran by a two-to-one margin.

PAAIA extends its deepest appreciation to the U.S. negotiators and other members of the P5+1 delegation for their tireless efforts in pursuing success throughout these important negotiations. We recognize this is an important step in a longer process towards the final implementation of the deal, and encourage all sides to fulfill their obligations under the terms of the agreement.

In addition, PAAIA encourages members of Congress to carefully review the details of the agreement and provide constructive oversight towards its implementation, while avoiding any measures that may derail the international agreement, impede U.S. diplomacy and weaken our ability to maintain an international coalition cooperating on Iran’s nuclear program.