Kerry Criticizes Two Democratic Representatives' Stance Against Iran Deal

John Kerry, the U.S. Secretary of State, stated on Friday, August 7, that he is strongly "opposed" to the arguments made by two senior Democratic representatives in Congress against the Iran nuclear deal. According to the Associated Press, Kerry, who is in Vietnam, said that despite the respect he holds for Chuck Schumer, the senior Democratic senator, and Eliot Engel, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, their arguments are not based on reality. Chuck Schumer and Eliot Engel, both representing New York in Congress, announced on Thursday that they oppose the Iran nuclear agreement. Schumer, who is Jewish, criticized the nuclear deal with Iran, stating that under this agreement, inspectors are not allowed to inspect "anytime or anywhere" they wish. He added that according to this agreement, the U.S. cannot unilaterally request inspections. Kerry stated, "It is very clear that I deeply disagree with this judgment (about the nuclear deal). Given the tracking of uranium over the next 25 years, it is impossible for Iran to build a nuclear bomb." He added, "The issue of closing (pathways) is realistic. I respectfully say that rejecting a policy (approach to the future) does not offer any alternative or substitute." Kerry warned that if this nuclear agreement is rejected, concerns about the resumption of Iran's nuclear activities will increase, leading to "people pressuring for military action." U.S. Congress members must vote positively or negatively on the Iran nuclear deal with six world powers by September 17 of this year or decide not to vote. U.S. media reports indicate that it is almost certain that Congress will reject the deal with Iran, and Barack Obama will veto the congressional representatives' vote. However, the question is whether Barack Obama will have enough support from Democratic representatives in the Senate to prevent the final rejection of the nuclear deal in Congress.