WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today questioned Pentagon officials about the negotiated nuclear agreement between Iran and members of the P5+1, which includes the United States. Wicker’s comments were made during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing to examine the impacts of the deal on U.S. interests and military balance in the Middle East.

“Iran is a nuclear threshold state and they have denied their intentions every step of the way,” Wicker said. “The Administration has offered a false choice between the negotiated settlement and a military strike. We know those are not the only alternatives.”

Witnesses at today’s hearing included Defense Secretary Ash Carter, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey, Secretary of State John Kerry, Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew, and Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz.

“Gen. Dempsey’s testimony, which I believe is damning this agreement with faint praise, did not dissuade my deep concerns,” Wicker continued. “Further, the Administration’s insistence on reaching a deal – despite Gen. Dempsey’s military recommendation to not lift the sanctions imposed on Iran – is very troubling.

“It is striking that every political ideology in Israel, from right to left, is opposed to this deal. The assessment of the facts and the effects that this agreement will have on our allies in the region should be instructive to Congress.”