Texas congressman calls Obama's deal with Iran unconstitutional

U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX) has a lot to say about the impact of trade deals and other events on the modern Gulf region.

Gohmert spoke on the House floor last week about the Obama administration’s Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, a deal with Iran intended to stave off the country's nuclear ambitions and promote international diplomacy.

Gohmert, who regularly appears on CNN and other networks to talk about the specific issues that Americans face in the Middle East, called the plan unconstitutional, citing “pressure on states to drop sanctions” on Iran.

In general, Gohmert says, working out deals with Iran, rather than imposing or maintaining sanctions, allows for the free flow of money that could fall into the hands of terror groups

“Iran is a theocracy that has clearly stated its resolve to continue to support radical Islamic terrorism.” Gohmert said in an email to the Gulf News Journal this week. “(The treaty) provides a huge stream of funds to those who will aid terror groups while placing no meaningful measures in place to prevent Iran from one day achieving the nuclear power they have explicitly stated they desire.”

In response to questions about the need for economic diversification in Saudi Arabia, Gohmert said Iran's allegiance with radical groups disincentivizes Western investment.

“Iran has continuously lined up on the side of radical terrorism and destabilizing the region for the sake of their own power.” Gohmert said. “The Supreme Leader of Iran has time and again called for destabilizing approaches to those who seek stability in the Middle East. By propping up radical terrorists and spreading divisive rhetoric, Iran has caused many in the West to be reluctant to invest in an area that, without the stigma of terrorism and the fear of instability it creates, would be among the world’s most prosperous. The old adage is basically true: ‘Capital is a coward.’ In other words, investment money normally flows to places that appear safe.”

Speaking about the current proxy war in Yemen between Iran-backed parties and others backed by the Saudis, Gohmert said Iranian leadership is controlled by radical Islamism and inherently out to destabilize large parts of the region.

Citing countries such as Syria and Bahrain as well as Lebanon and Iraq, Gohmert talked about how some of the more stable Middle Eastern countries stand up to one of the central powers in the region.

“The leaders in countries not completely torn apart by their interference, in Bahrain specifically, have condemned Iran explicitly.” Gohmert said. “Yemen is no different. Saudi Arabian leaders, with their own grave challenges to overcome, must decide if they are going to be totally committed to eliminating the threat of terrorism, or if they will continue to attempt playing on both sides, when it comes to the destabilizing influences in the world. Make no mistake; Iran has repeatedly been the most destabilizing influence in the region.”