Fact Check: "A group of pro-Israel members of Congress, including Representative Don Bacon (R-Neb.), is urging President Trump to ensure 'zero enrichment, zero pathway to a nuclear weapon' in negotiations with Iran."
What We Know
On June 13, 2025, a bipartisan group of U.S. Congress members, led by Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Don Bacon (R-NE), sent a letter to President Donald Trump. In this letter, they demanded that any nuclear agreement with Iran must include provisions for "zero enrichment, zero pathway to a nuclear weapon" (Gottheimer's statement). The letter was a response to recent Israeli military operations targeting Iranian nuclear sites, which the lawmakers described as a critical moment to address Iran's nuclear ambitions (Axios).
The letter emphasized that Iran's history of noncompliance with nuclear agreements and its designation as a state sponsor of terrorism necessitated a firm stance against any form of uranium enrichment (Gottheimer's statement, Bipartisan House group). The lawmakers expressed concern that Iran was using negotiations as a delay tactic to advance its nuclear capabilities (Gottheimer's statement).
Analysis
The claim that a group of pro-Israel members of Congress, including Representative Don Bacon, is urging President Trump for "zero enrichment, zero pathway to a nuclear weapon" is supported by multiple credible sources. The letter was signed by several bipartisan lawmakers, indicating a unified stance across party lines on this issue (Bipartisan House group, Gottheimer's statement).
The reliability of the sources is high, as they include official statements from members of Congress and reputable news outlets reporting on the letter and its implications. For instance, Axios, known for its political reporting, confirmed the contents of the letter and the urgency expressed by the lawmakers (Axios). Additionally, the letter's framing as a bipartisan effort underscores its significance in the context of U.S.-Iran relations and the broader geopolitical landscape (Gottheimer's statement).
However, it is essential to note that while the letter reflects a consensus among the signatories, the broader political landscape regarding U.S. negotiations with Iran is complex. Different factions within Congress may have varying views on how to approach Iran's nuclear program, but the specific demand articulated in the letter is clear and unequivocal.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that a group of pro-Israel members of Congress, including Representative Don Bacon, is urging President Trump to ensure "zero enrichment, zero pathway to a nuclear weapon" in negotiations with Iran is accurate. The bipartisan letter sent to the President explicitly states these demands, reflecting a significant consensus among the lawmakers involved.
Sources
- RELEASE: Gottheimer, Bacon Lead Bipartisan Letter Demanding Zero ...
- Bipartisan House group insists on no enrichment for Iran
- Chairman Lawler Urges Trump Administration to Redline Iranian Nuclear ...
- Trump appears to undercut his envoy's nuclear proposal to Iran | AP News
- Scoop: Trump pressed to take hard line with Iran after Israel ... - Axios
- Gottheimer, Bacon lead bipartisan call for zero-enrichment standard in ...
- Bipartisan House members demand administration hold to no-enrichment ...