Proposal by 60 Iranian MPs in Response to US Senate Resolution

A number of conservative members of the Iranian Parliament reacted to the US Senate's approval of a resolution that allows Congress to review any potential nuclear agreement with Iran. On Thursday, May 7, 2015, the US Senate voted overwhelmingly in favor of a bill that enables Congress to review any nuclear agreement with Iran within 30 days and reject it if necessary. This bill, which John Boehner, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, stated he is 'eager' to see passed by Congress, has sparked reactions in Iran. According to ISNA news agency, Hossein Naqavi, spokesman for the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission of the Parliament, announced on Friday, May 8, that a proposal has been prepared with urgency, which stipulates that the nuclear agreement between Iran and the P5+1 countries must be approved by Parliament, and the Islamic Consultative Assembly will oversee the implementation of the agreement. He stated that so far, more than 60 Iranian MPs have signed this urgent proposal. Naqavi Hosseini explained that according to this proposal, a seven-member committee from Parliament will oversee the nuclear negotiations and report to the Parliament's presiding board. Regarding the potential timing for presenting this proposal in the Parliament, he said, 'Meetings have been held, and discussions and consultations have taken place.' This representative also noted that the management of the nuclear file in Iran is of a 'special management' nature, and all aspects must be considered so that after 'necessary consultations' this proposal can be placed on the agenda. Aladdin Boroujerdi, head of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission of the Parliament, also reacted to the US Senate's approval of the bill, stating that 'if the Americans do not comply with Iran's demand to lift sanctions simultaneously with the agreement, the Islamic Consultative Assembly will initiate a proposal to mandate the government to continue all nuclear activities.' He emphasized that the Islamic Consultative Assembly is 'sensitive' to this issue, monitors the situation, and will act according to its duties if necessary. Ismail Kowsari, another conservative MP and member of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, reiterated in an interview with Tasnim news agency that any potential nuclear agreement must be approved by the Islamic Consultative Assembly, and the Parliament will do so. Ali Larijani, the Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, in his last press conference at the end of last year, emphasized in response to such a requirement that 'the nuclear file and negotiations surrounding it are discussed in the Supreme National Security Council due to its specific characteristics and sensitivities, and because it is authorized by the Supreme Leader, this council has the capability to advance the file.' Ayatollah Ali Khamenei emphasized last Wednesday that he does not agree with negotiations that take place 'under the shadow of threats.' This statement by the Iranian leader in a meeting with teachers led some Friday prayer leaders, including Ahmad Khatami, the temporary Friday prayer leader of Tehran, to address the issue of nuclear negotiations in their sermons. Ahmad Khatami, in his remarks, told Iranian nuclear negotiators: 'If the negotiators see even a hint of threats, they should break off the negotiations.' Iran and the P5+1 group, consisting of the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, China, and Germany, have begun drafting a comprehensive nuclear agreement. These negotiations are expected to conclude by July 2. In this context, Baidi Nejad stated that the next round of nuclear negotiations will take place from Tuesday to Friday next week in Vienna. Araghchi did not rule out inspections of Iranian military sites. Zarif stated that many brackets remain in the draft of the final agreement. The United States indicated that it is still too early for transactions with Iran. Behrouz Bayat stated that the Institute for Science and International Security opposes the nuclear agreement.