WORLD
GOP lawmakers ask to travel to Iran
Baku, February 6, AZERTAC
A trio of hawkish House Republicans say that they want to visit Iran later this month to observe the country’s elections, inspect its nuclear sites and meet with an American held prisoner in the country, according to The Hill.
The lawmakers filed visa applications with the office representing Iran in Washington on Thursday and sent a letter asking for assistance from supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the head of the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ali Jafari.
Reps. Mike Pompeo (R-Kan.), Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.) and Frank LoBiondo (R-N.J.) said that they wanted to ensure Iran’s compliance with the controversial nuclear deal that was implemented earlier this year, which they opposed.
“Americans deserve credible, first hand confirmation of what present day reality is in Iran, regarding the implementation of the Iran nuclear deal, status of American hostages and foreign policy objectives of Iranian leaders,” Zeldin said in a statement.
“If Iran is truly a partner in peace, as President Obama and Secretary [of State John] Kerry claim, then Iranian leaders should have no problem granting our visas and arranging the requested agenda,” added Pompeo. “I look forward to receiving a timely response from Iran.”