Delaware’s Sen. Carper explains ‘yes’ vote on Iran deal

For Delaware’s senior Sen. Tom Carper, a nuclear deal with Iran is better than the alternative: war.

After reading through the Iran agreement over the past few weeks and talking about the pros and cons with retired military leaders from he U.S. and Israel, Carper said he will support the Iran deal.

“Some of the most helpful conversations and materials that I’ve read come from retired Israeli military officials, retired Israeli intelligence officials,” Carper said. “I’m willing to take what we’ve heard from the Israeli retirees, military and intelligence, I’m willing to take that to the bank.”

While there are plenty of opponents of the deal, Carper said he believes it is the best agreement that could be negotiated. “Before we start dropping bombs on Iran, in an effort to destroy their nuclear capability…we ought to at least try this.”

His support of the deal doesn’t mean he trusts Iran. “This is not an agreement that’s based on trust,” Carper said. “As much as I’d like to think we can trust the Iranians, I honestly don’t know that we can trust this Iranian government.” 

Senate Democrats are hoping to secure at least 41 votes on the agreement; Sen. Chris Coons is expected to announce his decision on the Iran deal Tuesday afternoon.