To: President Donald Trump

I support diplomacy with Iran

Dear President Obama: I strongly support diplomacy with Iran. I don't want to see us embroiled in another war in the Middle East. I urge you to continue your current efforts in finding a diplomatic solution.

Why is this important?

It began with a phone call between President Obama and President Rouhani of Iran. Now it looks like we may be on the brink of a diplomatic breakthrough with what some had called the 'deal of a century.'

But that could all be in jeopardy if some supporters of war with Iran get their way. They're trying to pass a senate resolution that would increase sanctions on Iran*. That would tie President Obama's hands and prevent him from being able to move forward with meaningful negotiations.

President Obama is pursuing diplomacy and considering reducing sanctions on Iran. Getting to this point hasn't been an easy road. The President has faced pressure from conservative lobby groups and members of his own party to take a harder line on Iran.

It's crucial for us to visibly support the President to show that the political space to pursue diplomacy with Iran exists. If we can show that diplomacy is met with widespread support—we'll be able to pave the way for success. But if we are silent, conservative lobby groups will frame and undermine the deal.

The President isn’t perfect - we all know that. However, at the moment he is pursuing diplomacy and considering reducing sanctions on Iran. It’s crucial for us to visibly support the President to show that the political space to pursue diplomacy with Iran exists.

Many conservatives in Iran argue that talking to the United States is futile. President Rouhani has bet much of his political capital on these talks. By creating a strong groundswell of public support for diplomacy we can also show solidarity with the Iranian people who elected Rouhani with a mandate to improve relations with the United States.

*Senate panel will move ahead on new sanctions, Reuters.
*West and Iran seen as nearing a nuclear deal, The New York times