HARTFORD – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) released the following statement after negotiators in Switzerland announced that Iran and the P5+1 agreed on a path forward for continued nuclear negotiations. Murphy believes strongly that peaceful negotiations with the world’s greatest powers is the best way to ensure Iran never acquires a nuclear bomb.

“I welcome today’s announcement that a framework understanding has been reached between Iran, the United States and our partners in the P5+1, and look forward to reviewing the details of the framework over the coming days. A comprehensive diplomatic agreement remains the best way to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, and this agreement demonstrates the political will exists to complete a final deal by the July deadline.  

We all agree that a final agreement must prevent a nuclear Iran, and a senior State Department official assured me again this afternoon that negotiators in the room share that belief.

I will continue urging my senate colleagues to allow negotiators to represent the United States’ best interests without taking action that would, intentionally or not, jeopardize the discussions taking place. Those who are critical of today’s framework have the responsibility to present a serious, credible alternative that would get us to our ultimate goal: achieving a nuclear-free Iran in a way that doesn’t require another war in the Middle East.

I congratulate Secretary Kerry, Under Secretary Sherman and our entire negotiating team on their hard work over the past months, and in particular the past week, as they have doggedly represented the interests of the United States through all-night negotiating sessions.