Democratic House Leader Jeffries says ‘full unclassified briefing’ on US-Iran talks necessary

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries asserted on Monday that Iran has strengthened its position relative to the United States following President Donald Trump's "reckless and costly war." Speaking at a press conference ahead of a security briefing on the US-Iran conflict, Jeffries argued that the war has "adversely impacted the national security interests of the American people." He called for a comprehensive, unclassified briefing for the House of Representatives on the ongoing US-Iran peace talks, expressing his hope that it would occur "sooner rather than later."

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It’s my hope that that will happen sooner rather than later.

Special US Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed Congress on the peace talks Monday. This was their first briefing since Trump signed a memorandum of understanding with Tehran earlier this month. According to a Politico report, Witkoff and Rubio assured lawmakers that any final agreement would prohibit Iran from retaining its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, addressing concerns raised by officials from both parties.

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adversely impacted the national security interests of the American people.

Regarding the US stance on Israel, Jeffries reiterated his consistent position. He stated that while the US must continue to support Israel's right to exist as a Jewish and democratic state, a strong push for an independent Palestinian state is also necessary. This, he believes, is crucial for achieving peace and prosperity in the region. Jeffries emphasized that US policy should uphold "legitimate aspirations for self-determination and dignity for the Palestinian people."

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Position has and remains the same.

Jeffries further commented on the broader Middle East policy, stating that "what we've seen over the last several years cannot ever happen again." He recalled that US policy, across different administrations until the current one, has aimed to secure both Israel and an independent Palestinian state, as part of a commitment to a "just and lasting peace in the Middle East." He also mentioned an upcoming in-person discussion regarding a state and foreign operations bill that might be considered by the House later in the week.

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legitimate aspirations for self-determination and dignity for the Palestinian people.