WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism, released the following statement on the announcement that Iran has met its initial obligations under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, and that sanctions relief will begin.‎ 

“Today marks an important landmark in the successful implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Without going to war, the United States and our allies achieved an agreement that prevents Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and curtails their entire nuclear program. Before the agreement was reached, Iran was rapidly adding thousands of centrifuges and was on the verge of a nuclear breakout. Today, Iran has verifiably given up the infrastructure and material necessary to build a bomb, and knows that if they renege on the agreement for any reason, the full spectrum of international economic sanctions will snap back into place. 

“This achievement does not minimize my concerns regarding Iran’s dangerous activities in the region, their ballistic missile program, support for terrorism, or human rights abuses. But it is a crucial step towards resolving the greatest nonproliferation challenge of a generation.”

"‎I'm thrilled and relieved that Iran has finally released American prisoners that never should have been held captive in the first place. They deserve to be safe at home with their families, and it looks like that's exactly where they're headed."

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has certified that Iran has complied with its main commitments under the nuclear agreement and may now begin receiving sanctions relief. According to the IAEA’s report, Iran has shipped 97% of its enriched uranium stockpile out of the country, dismantled two-thirds of its centrifuges, ceased enrichment above 3.6%, allowed inspectors access to key nuclear sites, and permanently removed the core of the Arak reactor, filling it with concrete. These definitive steps will be followed by continuous monitoring and inspections to ensure that Iran continues to comply with the agreement.

Iran announced the release of several prisoners from the United States earlier today, including Washington Post journalist, Jason Rezaian.