Sherman: It’s in the U.S. National Security Interest that Iran-IAEA Protocols Are ‘Confidential’

VITTER: “You've read those two secret agreements?”

SHERMAN: “I have read those two safeguards confidential arrangements, yes.”

VITTER: “OK. When do I get to read them?”

SHERMAN: “Well, you won't, sir, any more than any other country will get to read the safeguards confidential protocols between the United States and IAEA.”

VITTER: “Do you have a vote on this agreement?”

SHERMAN: “I do not, obviously.”

VITTER: “I have a vote on this agreement.”

SHERMAN: “Yes, sir.”

VITTER: “You don't think it's appropriate that I would get to read? You’ve read these agreements. I think that's appropriate. I’m not arguing with that. I have to vote on this agreement. You don't think it's appropriate that I would get to read it?”

SHERMAN: “As I said to the IAEA and to all of my colleagues that I would have to share the arrangements in a classified session with the United States Congress –“ [Crosstalk]

VITTER: “That’s not my question. Do you think it's appropriate that I don't get to read it when I have to vote on the matter?”

SHERMAN: “Senator, you’ll have to make your own judgment about it. I do --”

VITTER: “I’m asking your opinion. Do you think that’s appropriate?”

SHERMAN: “My opinion is, that it is in the United States national security interest for there to be a comprehensive safeguards protocol and that those protocols remain confidential. That is in our national security interest.”

VITTER: “Do you think it's appropriate that I as a sitting U.S. senator representing significant number of Americans who has to vote on this do not get to read those agreements?”

SHERMAN: “I –“

VITTER: “I’m not talking about putting them on the internet, i am not talking -- or handing out copies?”

SHERMAN: “I don't have those agreements to give to you, sir. I do not --” [Crosstalk]

VITTER: “That was not my question. That was not my question. Please answer my question. Do you think it's appropriate that's I don't get to read them?”

SHERMAN: “I think that the system that has been put in place that maintains these as a confidential agreement between the IAEA and countries with which it operates under the comprehensive safeguards agreement is appropriate.”

VITTER: “And under that appropriate system you get to read it, although you don't have a vote. I don't get to read it, although I do have to vote.”