Many American’s are still asking the question: Why would the Obama Administration negotiate a deal that gives Iran, the biggest state sponsor of terrorism, hundreds of billions back into their economy? After 15 years the deal enables their expansion of nuclear weapons capabilities free and clear. Our goal was and should be the complete dismantlement of the Iranian nuclear weapons program.

During my five years in the Navy, I led an intelligence analysis and reporting center in real-time direct support of combat operations and our national security interests in the Middle East, North Africa and other areas throughout the world. I came to understand quickly, and was reminded repeatedly, that the Middle East is one of the least stable regions in the world. That was the case then and it has only grown more chaotic and dangerous over time.

There is real potential that, over the next 15 years, this deal may set off a nuclear arms race in the Middle East. Countries like Saudi Arabia and Turkey are not likely to sit on the nuclear weapons sideline and wait while a door is opened for Iran to expand its nuclear capabilities. Mix despots, fanatics, terrorists, and anti-Western fervor with a nuclear ingredient and we have a toxic tonic. This is no time for naiveté in Washington.

According to Secretary of State John Kerry, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action — supported by both President Obama and Senator Michael Bennet — is purportedly the best agreement possible. The economic sanctions authorized and implemented by way of the Iranian Sanctions Act were working, so many believe near or complete dismantlement could have been achieved. The deal is in place, however, so now the focus becomes how the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (including the United States) plus Germany and the European Union, known as the P5+1+EU, will monitor and enforce provisions and any violations by Iran.

Iran has a history of violating agreements and UN Security Council resolutions, most recently their November test of a medium-range ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. Given their current regime’s ongoing adversarial behavior and statements towards the United States and our ally Israel, it is imperative that Congress take steps now to reauthorize the ISA set to expire in December 2016.

While these economic sanctions are effectively lifted by the JCPOA, they need to stay on the books and Iran must clearly understand that America stands ready to re-impose them should the country violate the nuclear agreement. Some hold that the U.S. maintains its ability to “snap back” sanctions under the overarching authority granted to it by the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Yet, with the reauthorization of ISA through 2026, we send a strong message to Iran and the world that Iran must prove day-by-day, year over year, they will strictly adhere to JCPOA. Simply put, reauthorize ISA now, should it be needed later.

Ryan Frazier is a candidate for the Republican nomination for Colorado’s U.S Senate seat. He is a small business owner, a former Aurora city councilman, and served five years in the Navy assigned to the National Security Agency.