Senate Intel Dem: Iran nuclear deal would be ‘sea change’

A deal to limit Iran’s nuclear program “could be a real sea change for Iran,” and the region as a whole, said Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.).

“I think we have to do a nuclear agreement to protect from a breakout,” said Feinstein, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, during an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

{mosads}The negotiations with Iran have become a hot button issue on Capitol Hill. Many Republicans have denounced any deal that allows Tehran to retain nuclear capabilities, even for civilian capacities.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week doubled down on that argument in a controversial speech to Congress. More than 50 Democrats boycotted the speech and criticized House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) for inviting Netanyahu without consulting the White House.

Netanyahu forcefully stated that the proposed deal with Iran would inevitably lead to the country obtaining nuclear weapons.  

Feinstein was vehement in her opposition to Netanyahu’s remarks.

She called the speech “humiliating,” “embarrassing” and “arrogant.”

A “huge error in judgment,” she said, “for our number one ally” in the Middle East.

Netanyahu should not “trash” a potential deal before “the final period,” Feinstein added.

The U.S. needs Iran’s help to stabilize the region, she argued.

Feinstein pointed to the ongoing civil war in Syria. The U.S. is backing rebellious groups that have spent years trying to oust Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad.

“You cannot,” Feinstein said, “leave Assad in power.

She believes a negotiated nuclear deal with Iran — which sits close to Syria and has supported Assad — aids U.S. efforts to remove Assad from power.

“The degree to which we can work this out diplomatically [with Iran] is important,” Feinstein said.