N.D., Minn. Congress members concerned, cautious with Iran nuclear deal

FARGO -- Congressional delegates from North Dakota and Minnesota had mixed reactions to a proposed nuclear deal with Iran. Here are excerpts of statements they released:

Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D.

Heitkamp said preventing Iran from getting a nuclear bomb was paramount, but she also stressed the importance of image.

"Safeguarding our country should not be a political exercise, and I sincerely hope that Congress can work in a bipartisan way as it reviews this deal to send a unified message to Iran and the world," she said.

Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D.

Hoeven was critical of the deal and encouraged "utmost caution" for Congress.

"Of particular concern, first and foremost, is the agreement's failure to require Iran to dismantle its nuclear program," he said. "No deal is better than a bad deal, particularly one that releases billions of dollars to a country that is the largest state sponsor of terrorism in the world."

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Rep. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D.

Cramer said he could not support a short-term nuclear deal and was skeptical of any negotiations with Iran.

"Past statements by Iranian leaders like 'Israel's destruction is non-negotiable' have created an atmosphere of mistrust with Iran," he said. "The question I and many other members of Congress will be asking ourselves is: Are we ready to trust a nation which continues to call for the destruction of Israel and 'Death to America'?"

Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn.

Franken said he would review the deal closely in the days to come.

"Obviously, a diplomatic resolution to Iran's nuclear program is preferable to military action," he said. "I hope that the deal will verifiably block Iran from developing a nuclear weapon."

Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn.

Klobuchar, too, said she would thoroughly review the deal before making a decision.

"Critical components of the agreement that I will be closely examining include the verification measures, the process of lifting sanctions and the mechanism for re-imposing sanctions if Iran violates an agreement, and limitations on Iran's research and development program," she said.

Rep. Collin Peterson, D-Minn.

Peterson also said he would take his time reviewing the details.

"I take the responsibility of oversight very seriously," he said. "I plan to analyze the merits of the deal and the impact it will have our nation's security as well as the security of our allies."