We face this decision not
only in North Korea. It is far past time for the nations of the world to
confront another reckless regime, one that speaks openly of mass murder, vowing
death to America, destruction to Israel and ruin for many leaders and nations
in this room.
The
Iranian government masks a corrupt dictatorship behind the false guise of a
democracy. It has turned a wealthy country with a rich history and culture into
an economically depleted rogue state whose chief exports are violence,
bloodshed and chaos.
The
longest suffering victims of Iran's leaders are, in fact, its own people.
Rather than use its resources to improve Iranian lives, its oil profits go to
fund Hezbollah and other terrorists that kill innocent Muslims and attack their
peaceful Arab and Israeli neighbors.
This
wealth, which rightly belongs to Iran's people, also goes to shore up Bashar
al-Assad's dictatorship, fuel Yemen's civil war and undermine peace throughout
the entire Middle East.
We
cannot let a murderous regime continue these destabilizing activities while
building dangerous missiles. And we cannot abide by an agreement if it provides
cover for the eventual construction of a nuclear program.
The
Iran deal was one of the worst and most one-sided transactions the United
States has ever entered into. Frankly, that deal is an embarrassment to the
United States, and I don't think you've heard the last of it, believe me.
It
is time for the entire world to join us in demanding that Iran's government end
its pursuit of death and destruction. It is time for the regime to free all
Americans and citizens of other nations that they have unjustly detained. And
above all, Iran's government must stop supporting terrorists, begin serving its
own people and respect the sovereign rights of its neighbors.
The
entire world understands that the good people of Iran want change and, other
than the vast military power of the United States, that Iran's people are what
their leaders fear the most.
This
is what causes the regime to restrict internet access, tear down satellite
dishes, shoot unarmed student protesters and imprison political reformists.
Oppressive
regimes cannot endure forever, and the day will come when the people will face
a choice: Will they continue down the path of poverty, bloodshed and terror, or
will the Iranian people return to the nation's proud roots as a center of
civilization, culture and wealth, where their people can be happy and
prosperous once again?
The
Iranian regime's support for terror is in stark contrast to the recent
commitments of many of its neighbors to fight terrorism and halt its finance.
In
Saudi Arabia early last year, I was greatly honored to address the leaders of
more than 50 Arab and Muslim nations. We agreed
that all responsible nations must work together to confront terrorists and the
Islamic extremism that inspires them.
***