The announcement earlier this week that the GCC countries are supporting the Iran nuclear deal is a significant development for the Obama Administration’s effort to gain support for the deal in Congress. Qatar’s Foreign Minister Khalid Al-Attiyah described the deal as the “best option” and “reassuring to the region.” This should provide significant reassurance to members of Congress still undecided about whether to support the deal. The GCC’s announcement goes a long way to rebutting critics who argue the deal will further enable Iran to foster regional conflicts.

Unless the GCC’s support is backed up with continued emphasis, however, the Arab countries’ support, along with other arguments in favor of the Iran deal, will easily be drowned out by a multi-million dollar advertising and public relations campaign waged by opponents of the deal.

As Congress goes into its annual summer recess, opponents of the deal will target undecided Congress members back in the states and Congressional districts. My guess is the opposition’s campaign will mention little about Arab support and the key role GCC countries play in countering Iran’s influence in the region.

An informed and balanced debate in Congress needs to have the Arab perspective on the Iran deal. Members of Congress need to understand why the GCC countries support the agreement. Members of Congress need a better understanding of the important role of the GCC in the security of the region.

The US and other world powers, which negotiated the Iran nuclear deal, need Saudi Arabia and the other GCC countries to remain a strong force for peace and security in the region. We need their leadership to help resolve disputes and avert regional conflicts before they become global crises.

We need their insight into the region for a better understanding of Islamic and Arab issues. With a good, solid, verifiable agreement, the US can regain lost prestige and influence in the wider region by partnering more closely with all GCC countries.

I was heartened by the joint US-GCC statement, which reiterated US commitment to work with the GCC to prevent and deter external threats and aggression. Continued cooperation between the US and GCC will help ensure the Iran deal does not take advantage of the nuclear agreement to further destabilize the region.

I’m sure US elected officials and the public will benefit by a more thorough understanding of the GCC position. This will lead not only to a more informed debate in the US, it will enable better communication and cooperation between all those interested in ensuring successful implementation of the international Iran nuclear agreement. — Ex-US Sen. Nick Rahall, Washington