Washington - U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, chief architect of Iran sanctions legislation, reacted to reports that the P5+1 talks with Iran in Moscow ended today without any commitment or demonstrable evidence from Iran that it intends to end its pursuit of nuclear weapons capability:

"I'm disappointed, but not surprised by Iran's 'take now, pay later' position - essentially seeking relief from sanctions in exchange for an unverifiable pledge from the Supreme Leader that Iran's nuclear program is peaceful, while at the same time, demanding the right to enrich uranium.That position fails to reflect the determination of the United States that Iran not achieve nuclear weapons capability or to respond to the minimum conditions the P5+1 set forth in Baghdad.The talks were the preferred forum to reach an agreement, but in their absence the Congress will pursue other mechanisms to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear state. I look forward to working with the House of Representatives to pass a bipartisan sanctions bill as soon as possible and anticipate the Administration's full implementation of the Central Bank sanctions next week."

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