Dold slams Iran nuke deal, Schneider says enforce it

Republican U.S. Rep. Bob Dold calls the United States' nuclear agreement with Iran "a historic mistake" that won't prevent that nation from getting a nuclear weapon.

His challenger for Illinois' 10th District seat, former Democratic congressman Brad Schneider, publicly criticized the deal after it was proposed last year - but now supports its enforcement.

The controversial pact was signed in July 2015 by Iran, the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom and other nations. It gave Iran the right to have limited nuclear facilities but not nuclear weapons, and lifted some economic sanctions against Iran.

Dold called the pact fatally flawed. He objected to allowing Iran to keep a nuclear infrastructure and criticized the relief from more than $100 billion in sanctions that will bolster its efforts to promote terror.

"Far from stopping Iran's nuclear pursuit, this agreement has emboldened Iran's dangerous behavior and fueled greater instability in the region," said Dold, of Kenilworth.

Schneider, of Deerfield, said the U.S. must ensure Iran's compliance.

"It is imperative that the United States lead in preventing Iran from ever acquiring a nuclear weapon," he said. "That requires vigorously enforcing the Iran deal while leaving all options on the table, including military force if necessary."

Yet, Schneider repeatedly has expressed concerns about the agreement.

He complained about a lack of enforcement mechanisms and the legitimization of Iran as a nuclear state, and questioned what Iran will do with the cash it will receive after sanctions are lifted.

The 10th District includes parts of Cook and Lake counties.