Diplomacy with Iran urgently needed

I was glad to hear both presidential candidates mention diplomacy with Iran during the final debate, but I’m concerned that some in Congress are already saying that the time for talking with Iran is over. I hope whoever wins the presidency supports real, sustained diplomacy and that my members of Congress work toward this goal. As the former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Thomas Pickering recently wrote, “Patient, committed diplomacy is the only way to realize the long-term and durable objectives of an Iran without nuclear weapons and a region without war.” War is not the answer to the conflict between the U.S. and Iran. While watching the debate I was glad to hear talk about peaceful resolution of the conflict between the U.S. and Iran, I’m concerned that Congress could undermine diplomacy. I hope our senators will speak out on the floor in support of diplomacy to prevent war and a nuclear-armed Iran and oppose any legislation that puts roadblocks in the way of diplomacy.

Alison Halm

Arlington Heights