Republican Senators: We will not support a new nuclear deal with Iran
Forty-nine of the 50 Republican U.S. senators said in a statement on Monday that they would not support a new nuclear deal between Iran and world powers.
Forty-nine of the 50 Republican U.S. senators said on Monday, March 14, they “will not support” a new nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, Reuters reported, underlining their party’s opposition to efforts to revive the 2015 agreement.
Citing press reports about talks to revive the JCPOA, which may fail “due to Russian opposition,” the lawmakers said in a statement that the administration of Democratic US President Joe Biden may reach an agreement to “weaken sanctions and reduce restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program.”
They pledged to do “everything in their power” to scrap the deal, which “does not fully block” the Iranian regime’s ability to produce nuclear weapons, “does not limit its ballistic missile program,” and “does not prevent the Islamic Republic from supporting terrorism.” Tehran, the senators said, continues to “deny” its pursuit of a nuclear bomb.
No Republican members of Congress “supported” the 2015 deal between Tehran and major powers, which was brokered under Democratic President Barack Obama. A handful of Democrats also opposed the deal.
The JCPOA eased sanctions in exchange for “restrictions on Iran’s uranium enrichment,” making it harder for Tehran to produce material for nuclear weapons. The deal “virtually fell apart” after Republican President Donald Trump withdrew from the deal in 2018.
Negotiations resumed after Biden became president last year.
Efforts to reach a new agreement after a last-minute Russian request – in conflict with the West over the occupation of Ukraine – forced the powers to “suspend the talks” in Vienna. This is despite some sources saying that the parties had reached a “comprehensive text.” Iran, however, continues to cite US opposition to some of its demands as the reason for the halt in talks.
The spokesman for the Islamic Republic's Foreign Ministry said on Monday that Washington must make a "decision" to reach an agreement.
Khatibzadeh said, noting that Iran is “waiting to hear America’s response,” adding: “Of course, consultations are continuing at various levels.”
Source: DW
