WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) issued the following statement on the administration’s announcement that a framework for a nuclear agreement with Iran has been reached:

“This framework for a final agreement that allows Iran to continue key parts of its nuclear program raises significant concerns. Leaving an Iranian nuclear program in place risks the possibility of a nuclear arms race across the Middle East, which would jeopardize America’s security as well as the security of our allies in the region. The American people deserve a voice in this process now more than ever, which is why congressional approval of any final deal is critical. 

“We can all hope that Iran will give up its ambition of acquiring a nuclear weapon, but a final deal that gambles with the security of the world will raise significant concerns for both the people of the United States and for our ally Israel.”