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Disclaimer: Kevin and Jon are not nuclear experts. But, they did take some time to respond to a few questions that are being debated regarding the Iran deal. Read what they have to say and feel free to leave a comment sharing your opinion!

1. Do you see an alternative to the Iran deal?

Kevin: I do believe there is a diplomatic alternative to this deal. The sanctions relief, however frustrating, comes too soon because Germany, Russia, and China want to resume business with Iran. I would have pushed for sanctions relief to begin in 5 years (rather than immediately) and, assuming Iran complies with the deal, completely disappear in ten. Additionally, I would extend the strict regulations on Iranian nuclear development for 25 years (not 15) and have included a provision preventing the removal of sanctions as long as Iran funds terrorist organizations.

Jon: I do see an alternative to the Iran deal, an alternative in which the Western powers hold off on lifting their sanctions until Iranian compliance is verified. Sanctions need to be tied directly to changes in policy, rather than simply in the levels of uranium enrichment that inspectors are able to gain access to. Multiple people/businesses are about to be removed from the US’ Blacklist, those who the US government believed were involved with funding the Iranian nuclear program. But, many of these entities should be re-evaluated and then remain on the Blacklist if it is confirmed that they are involved in terrorism funding as well. If the U.S. must maintain these sanctions alone, then so be it. A “military” alternative, however, is no alternative at all.

2. Would it be better to move on and begin thinking about other ways to secure Israel from the Iranian threat?

Jon: Since Congressional ratification is necessary before the U.S. can agree to the deal, there is still a possibility that things could change stateside during the scrutinizing confirmation process. The President could veto a “No” vote, Iran could walk away if it sees the US might, the U.S. might have to negotiate a separate deal with Iran…a lot can happen. As for Israel, they should not expect more from the U.S. at this point. Rather, Israel should seek covert alliances with other Middle East countries to try to put an end to Iran’s meddling in the region. When you are on college campuses, it may be a good idea to engage with other Middle Eastern students and see if you share similar concerns regarding Iran.

Kevin: The deal is done and, though members of Congress would hate to admit it, Congress really doesn’t have much of a say. I would stress any attack carried out by an organization funded by Iran would result in heightened sanctions on Iran. The Iranians agreed to this deal largely because the previous sanctions crippled the Iranian economy and they will most likely abide by the deal (for the 15 years it is intact) because they need the economic boost it will bring. The provision in the deal regarding reinstating sanctions does not apply to new sanctions done for non-nuclear reasons. Most importantly, I would lobby the United States to continue to assist Israel in the development of anti-ballistic and other high-end missile defense systems.

3. What aspect of the Iranian negotiations has you most concerned?

Kevin: It seemed that the United States carried out the negotiations with the idea that they absolutely must result in a deal and thus did so from a position of weakness. According to President Obama, we didn’t request the release of 4 American Hostages because we were worried about Iran making more demands. This is one known example of America not demonstrating its power in the negotiations. Who knows what else we didn’t get because of this fear of failure. Regarding the actual deal, I am terrified about what Iran will do in 15 years when the major restrictions on their nuclear program wear off.

Jon: It is definitely the false sense of security that the proponents of this deal are trying to put forth. The sound byte being thrown around, “this will prevent Iran from being a dangerous threat for at least ten years”, is false because Iran is already a threat. Iran is the oxygen machine for an oppressive dictator in Syria, it is the source of the thousands of rockets pointed at Israel from Lebanon, and the chief conspirator behind the current chaos in Yemen. Under this deal, Iran is still free to continue their support of terrorism and their own weapons build-up. Yet, European nations have already begun sending business delegations to Iran and don’t seem to be so bothered by “all that other stuff” right now.

4. In what way could this deal be good for Israel?

Jon: If the bet pays off. The P5+1 that negotiated this deal with Iran are hoping that by engaging with Iran, its radical views will cool off a bit. This is certainly a possibility, a large segment of the Iranian population was rooting for a compromise with the West. Iran is a sophisticated society and if their relations came anywhere close to pre-1979, Iran would be a strong regional partner for Israel. A lot has to change before that though and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khameini is a boulder standing in the way of that.

Kevin: In a cynical way, this deal could force Israel and the Arab countries to align themselves together against Iran. A nuclear Iran is a threat just as much to Saudi Arabia as it is to Israel and no Sunni in the Middle East will be safe if Iran goes nuclear. Tensions are relatively low between Israel and its Arab neighbors (excluding the Palestinians) and this deal could help that cause. Maybe the Arab League will help lead real peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians?

5. What should college students do?

Kevin: Here is a pdf of the full document. Study this from all angles, without forgetting the Iranian perspective. They desperately needed sanctions relief and their economy will certainly benefit from this deal. President Obama admitted Iran will most likely fund terror groups with the sanctions relief. College students should write their representatives to stress the importance of preventing Iran from funding these terrorists and educate others on the importance of containing Iran.

Jon: Explain to your peers that the opposition to this deal does not want war with Iran. Rather, the opposition sees a number wars that Iran has already started and believes that this deal will only allow Iran to continue that tendency. Call your congressmen and tell them that this deal will only further endanger the Middle East. Speak to people from a diverse range of student groups on campus and see who may share your concerns about Iran. We are not just an opposition, we are concerned citizens seeking genuine peace in the Middle East.