[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 128 (Wednesday, July 21, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S4993]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                                  Iran

  Mr. President, on one final matter, earlier this month, the FBI 
uncovered a plot by Iranian intelligence operatives to kidnap a 
journalist and vocal critic of the regime from her home in New York.
  Let me say that again: Iran tried to abduct a U.S. citizen right 
here--right here--on American soil.
  For years, Masih Alinejad has made a habit of getting under the 
mullahs' skin. She has called out injustices and organized protests 
like White Wednesdays, when women across Iran would challenge their 
nation's strict dress code.
  The regime tried to lure Ms. Alinejad out of the U.S. to make her an 
easier target. That failed. So they decided to try something even more 
brazen.
  Federal prosecutors have charged four Iranians in a plot to kidnap 
Ms. Alinejad. But with the exception of one accomplice, those 
responsible for this outrageous planned assault on a U.S. citizen right 
here on U.S. soil won't see the inside of a courtroom anytime soon. So 
without nonjudicial steps to impose consequences on the Islamic 
Republic, there will likely be no justice for Ms. Alinejad and her 
family.
  And why should Tehran think twice about trying again?
  Sadly, this has a familiar ring to it. Flagrant disregard for 
international law is certainly not a new addition to Tehran's playbook. 
Remember, back in 2011, Iranian intelligence was caught up in a plot to 
murder the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the United States by blowing 
up a restaurant right here in Washington. One of the Iranian officials 
indicted in that case is, actually, still at large.
  Of course, extrajudicial activities on American soil aren't the only 
bits of Iranian behavior that read like old news. Ms. Alinejad has been 
vocally reminding us that Iran's disgusting disregard for human rights 
is not unique to American soil. Obviously, it is felt in Iran itself 
and throughout the Middle East.
  This spring, the skies over Israel were filled with reminders of 
Iran's longstanding support for terrorist groups like Hamas and 
Hezbollah. Battlefields in Syria and southern Arabian Peninsula testify 
to the strength of Iran's proxies.
  And just this year, on President Biden's watch, we have seen a 
surge--a surge--in attacks on U.S. interests and facilities in Iraq not 
seen since the height of our military presence in that country.
  So history continues to repeat itself in Tehran. And, unfortunately, 
the Biden administration appears keen--keen--to follow a familiar 
playbook of its own. Inexplicably, the White House's response to Iran's 
latest troublemaking--now listen to this--has been to consider lifting 
sanctions and offering new concessions to produce a new nuclear deal.
  Iran just tried to kidnap an American right here in America. This is 
not the occasion to desperately reward bad behavior. It is time to work 
even more closely with our allies and partners in the regions to stare 
it down.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.