Republican Senators: We Will Not Support a New Nuclear Agreement with Iran

49 of 50 U.S. Republican senators said on Monday in a statement that they will not support a new nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers.

According to Reuters news agency, 49 of the 50 U.S. Republican senators said on Monday, March 14, that they will “not support” a new nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers. They emphasized their party’s opposition to efforts to revive the agreement reached in 2015.

These lawmakers, citing press reports about talks to revive the JCPOA, which may fail “with Russian opposition,” said in a statement that the Joe Biden administration, the U.S. Democratic president, might reach an agreement to “weaken sanctions and reduce restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program.”

They pledged to do “whatever is within their power” to repeal any agreement that does not “completely block” the Iranian government’s ability to produce nuclear weapons, “does not limit the ballistic missile program” and “does not prevent the Islamic Republic’s support for terrorism.” According to these senators, Tehran continues to “deny” its efforts to acquire an atomic bomb.

None of the Republican members of Congress supported the 2015 agreement between Tehran and major powers that was concluded during Barack Obama’s presidency, the Democratic president. A small number of Democrats also opposed this agreement.

The JCPOA reduced sanctions in exchange for “limitations on Iran’s uranium enrichment” and made it harder for Tehran to produce materials for nuclear weapons. After Republican President Donald Trump withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018, the agreement “effectively fell apart.”

Negotiations resumed after Biden became president last year.

Efforts to reach a new agreement were halted after a last-minute Russian request—at odds with the West over the occupation of Ukraine—forced the powers to “stop talks” in Vienna. This was while some sources said the parties had reached a “comprehensive text.” However, Iran continues to cite American opposition to some of its demands as the reason for the halt in negotiations.

The spokesman for the Foreign Ministry of the Islamic Republic said on Monday that Washington should “make a decision” to reach an agreement.

Khatibzadeh, noting that Iran is “waiting to hear America’s response,” said: “Of course, consultations at various levels are continuing.”

Source: DW