Today, Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), the Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade, made the following statement in reaction to clashes in Iran on the 31st anniversary of the Islamic Republic and the regime's announcement that it has stepped up its uranium enrichment program.

"With its recent missile launches and advances in uranium enrichment to fuel its nuclear program, the Iranian regime is attempting to project an image of strength.  But it is anything but.

"If announced advances in Iran's enrichment are accurate, this wouldn't be a shock.  Iran has been pursuing these capabilities with determination.  After a year of misreading the regime, the Obama Administration is finally at least talking about reassessing.

"Since last June's fraudulent election, a broad political opposition has remained active and determined in the face of regime-orchestrated violence, detentions and executions.  The movement has gone from protesting the massive vote rigging, to challenging the fundamental tenets of the Islamic Republic.  They deserve our support.

"As the world struggles with the regime's nuclear weapons pursuit, we should realize that the regime in Tehran probably doesn't fear another round of 'least common denominator' U.N. sanctions.  But, it is downright paranoid of a color revolution.

"The Obama Administration could boost the morale of the opposition movement by: speaking out on their behalf over and over; spotlighting the regime's human rights abuses; helping them overcome the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's jamming of the Internet; and perfecting our broadcasting into the country.  It is time that we clearly stand by their side."

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