CIA Director George Tenet testified in Congress last February that Iran will probably have a missile capable of reaching the United States within the next few years, and that Iran will soon become a supplier of missile technology to other hostile states. By obtaining Japanese and European investment and technology for the expansion of its energy sector, and by marketing its non-energy exports, Iran will be able to finance its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, and its support for terrorist organizations. On the human rights front, I have been involved in Congress on focusing world attention on the plight of 13 Jews arrested a year ago in the southern Iranian city of Shiraz. The charges are ridiculous. The situation is even worse for those who practice the Baha'i religion.
Political dissent is crushed, and hangings and stonings are routine.
Iran has been condemned by the UN for its human rights record, one of the few member countries to receive such a rebuke. I could not agree more. I support negotiations with Iran and would support mutual concessions.