Quigley: Iran remains the Middle East's Biggest Threat

Mister Speaker, I rise today because I fear that lost amidst the controversy surrounding recent statements on the Israel-Palestinian peace process, lost amidst the hopeful events of the Arab Spring, and lost amidst Syrian sanctions and military action in Libya, lies the real and greatest threat to entire region " A nuclear Iran.

As we debate the trajectory of America's policy in the Middle East, we must never forget that as we speak Iran is hurtling toward a nuclear weapon. A nuclear Iran would destabilize the entire region, upend the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, set off an arms race and expose our closest friend and ally Israel to grave danger.

The threat is real - As Prime Minister Netanyahu noted this morning, they could put a bomb anywhere: On a missile, a ship, or in a suitcase on a subway. Last year we implemented strong sanctions against Iran, but more must be done to close loop holes, ensure enforcement, and take additional steps necessary to stop a nuclear Iran.

No matter the challenges that arise in the Middle East, we must never lose sight of the most dangerous threat of all " A nuclear armed Iran.