WASHINGTON – Congressman Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) said on Thursday that any potential U.S. agreement with Iran must not undermine compensation or accountability efforts for American victims of terrorism, as negotiations involving sanctions policy continue to draw scrutiny.
According to Lawler, reports about conversations on sanctions policy have renewed concerns about ensuring justice and compensation for American victims of terrorism. Federal courts have previously found Iran liable for providing material support to other terrorist organizations and facilitating aspects of the 9/11 attacks.
Lawler is scheduled to host President Donald Trump at an event at Rockland Community College on Friday afternoon.
“Nearly 25 years after the attacks of September 11th, the families of those we lost are still seeking justice and accountability,” said Lawler, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa. “Any negotiation or agreement with Iran must recognize that reality.”
He argued that Iran has long supported terrorist organizations responsible for attacks against Americans and U.S. allies, pointing to federal court findings that have held Iran liable for providing material support to terrorist groups and other related actions.
“Iran has spent decades funding and supporting terrorist organizations responsible for the deaths of Americans and our allies, from the ashes of 9/11 to the horrors of October 7th,” he said.
Iran’s government is reviewing the latest proposal from the U.S. for a potential deal to end the war, which began nearly three months ago and has sent global fuel prices soaring. Trump said earlier this week that he had called off an attack on Iran planned for Tuesday after regional leaders urged him to allow negotiations to continue.
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