Insight

4 Numbers on the Iran Deal

Just yesterday the president was able to secure 41 votes in the Senate for the Iran nuclear deal. This all-but guarantees that a vote of disapproval won’t see the light of day – despite the fact that the Senate voted 98-1 and President Obama signed to make it the law of the land that Congress would have a say in the deal.  Too bad, as there are so many details to understand in the deal that a reasoned debate and vote is needed. In its absence, even President Obama has gotten carried away and called thoughtful opponents “the crazies.” With all the rhetoric swirling, 4 numbers remain undisputed.

1 site will be inspected by Iranian officials

This would be the polar opposite of “anytime, anywhere” inspections. According to news reports, a side-deal allows for Iran to “…inspect itself at its most sensitive known military complex…” Senators with access to the classified information confirmed that IAEA inspectors would be kept outside the facility when samples are taken.

$140 billion windfall for the Iranian regime 

Estimates for how much Iran will receive from the deal vary, but $140 billion is a reasonable figure. The president himself conceded in an interview with The Atlantic that the deal could send $150 billion to the Iranian regime. This money could be allocated any number of ways, as there are no restrictions on how Iran spends its economic windfall. According to AAF’s Director of Defense Analysis, Rachel Hoff, “Nothing in the deal would prevent Iran from spending [billions] to fund their military or terrorist organizations and authoritarian regimes throughout the Middle East.”

48 percent increase in Iran’s defense budget

Before the deal, Iran’s defense budget stood at $9.9 billion. After the president’s deal goes into effect, if Iran continues to spend the same proportion on defense, its military budget could skyrocket 48 percent to $14.7 billion.

$3.1 billion more for terrorism funding

As part of its military budget, Iran has continuously appropriated money towards the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a paramilitary group that actively supports terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah and Hamas. The deal struck by the White House could allow for Iran to increase funding for this group by $3.1 billion if current spending trends continue.

Click here to catch all you need to know in a quick 60 second video.

 

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