Iran deal deserves our support

To the editor:

The historic nuclear deal between Iran, the United States and five other nations draws the world closer to safety and security and pushes us farther away from war and nuclear bombs.

The deal restrains Iran's ability to develop nuclear weapons and keeps the United States from another catastrophic war in the Middle East. According to the New York Times, Iran's current stockpile of low enriched uranium will be reduced by 98 percent. In addition, the number of centrifuges will be reduced by two-thirds. Most importantly, third-party verification measures will stay in place permanently. Sensibly, sanctions against Iran would resume if an eight member panel determines that Iran is violating its part of the bargain. A majority vote is required, so no one nation could veto the re-imposition of sanctions.

In September, Congress is expected to vote on whether or not this agreement goes forward. A majority of the American people support a diplomatic solution. I hope the lawmakers from our great state - Rep. Rod Blum and Sen. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst - will vote and speak out in favor of this accord that will make the region and the world a safer place.

John Gruber-Miller

Mount Vernon