Washington, DC – Americans for Peace Now (APN) today released the following statement on extending negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear quest: The fact that all parties to the current Iran diplomatic effort wish to extend negotiations underscores the important progress that has been made in talks so far as well as the shared understanding of the very serious risks failure will entail, for everyone.

All those who are genuinely concerned with the challenge posed by Iran’s nuclear program should continue to stand with the Obama Administration and its P5+1 allies in supporting this extension in negotiations.  Diplomacy still offers the best chance to resolve U.S. and international concerns about Iran’s nuclear program and nuclear ambitions and to avoid new military conflict.

As this extension period goes forward, APN supports Congress in its calls for regular consultation with the Obama Administration on the progress of diplomacy. At the same time, APN urges members of Congress to reject legislative initiatives that may seek to impose new sanctions, formalize hardline conditions on a final agreement, or otherwise violate the interim agreement on which these talks are based. Such initiatives will only undermine this continuing diplomatic effort and harm the chances of reaching a final deal, to the detriment of U.S. national interests as well as the genuine interests of Israel.   Indeed, if such efforts succeed in discrediting or derailing diplomacy, the only winners will be extremists in Tehran and irresponsible, pro-war forces in the U.S. and international community.

We once again applaud President Obama, Secretary Kerry, and their partners in the international community for their committed pursuit of such a deal. Anyone who cares about Israel and U.S. national interests must do everything possible to support their efforts and ensure that they have every chance for success.