Obama Signs Bill Letting Congress Weigh in on Iran Nuclear Deal


Obama Signs Bill Letting Congress Weigh in on Iran Nuclear Deal

TEHRAN (Tasnim) - US President Barack Obama signed into law a bill allowing Congress to review any agreement reached with Iran over its nuclear program.

The fact that the legislation earned Obama’s signature is notable because he initially opposed attempts by congressional lawmakers to insert themselves into the delicate negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 (the US, UK, France, China, Russia and Germany).

The two sides have already agreed to a framework for a final deal, though significant details still need to be hammered out, including the pace and timing for lifting the sanctions on Iran, and exactly what kind of nuclear energy infrastructure Tehran will be allowed to maintain.

In the event of a final deal, Congress will be granted at least 30 days to evaluate the agreement and render its approval or disapproval. During this review period, Obama would not be permitted to remove the sanctions.

If Congress chooses to pass a measure rejecting the deal, Obama could veto the action, RT reported.

While Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful and not meant for developing nuclear weapons, the US and other countries have levied sanctions against Tehran over concerns that it is not being truthful. Opponents of a deal also argue that Iran will not actually comply with its regulations after sanctions are lifted.

In an interview with The Atlantic this week, Obama defended the ongoing negotiation process with Iran, arguing that he’s not willing to accept a bad deal.

“Look, 20 years from now, I’m still going to be around, God willing. If Iran has a nuclear weapon, it’s my name on this,” he said, referring to a nuclear deal. “I think it’s fair to say that in addition to our profound national-security interests, I have a personal interest in locking this down.”

Supporters of the bill Obama has just signed say that it strengthens America’s hand at the negotiating table and ensures the White House keeps lawmakers’ concerns in mind.

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