New Resolution to Limit Obama's Powers in Lifting Sanctions on Iran

On Tuesday, February 3, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill that would limit President Barack Obama's powers regarding the lifting of sanctions against Iran. According to Reuters, three weeks ago, the House had attempted to pass a similar bill, but the voting results were declared invalid due to the absence of several representatives. The report states that 246 representatives voted in favor of the bill titled 'Iran Terrorism Financial Transparency Act,' while 181 opposed it. Reuters notes that nearly all Republicans in the House supported the bill, while all Democrats opposed it. The report adds that despite Republicans holding the majority in both the House and Senate, it seems unlikely that this resolution will become law, as Obama had previously threatened to veto such a bill if passed by the Senate. The invalidated vote three weeks ago took place three days before the exchange of Iranian and American prisoners on January 13. Representatives' aides say that the invalidation of the January 13 vote was due to attendance issues and was not related to the prisoner exchange. Since the nuclear agreement between Iran and six world powers on July 14 in Vienna, Republicans have sought to review and overturn it. Under this agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Iran's nuclear program is limited, and in return, most international sanctions against Tehran will be lifted.