Proposal for Congressional Approval of Any Nuclear Agreement with Iran Presented

U.S. senators have introduced a proposal regarding a potential agreement with Iran, stating that any agreement with the Islamic Republic concerning its nuclear program must be approved by the U.S. Congress. According to Reuters, the "Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act," presented to the U.S. Senate on Friday, March 8, requires the Obama administration to submit the text of any agreement with Iran to Congress within five days of reaching a deal. This proposal also prohibits President Obama from suspending or lifting U.S. congressional sanctions against Iran for 60 days following a final agreement with Tehran. Previously, the White House warned that the President would veto such a proposal if passed by the Senate. Josh Earnest, White House spokesman, stated that this bill would have a "very negative impact" on negotiations with Iran. However, Senator Bob Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a supporter of the proposal, reiterated the necessity of its approval, stating, "It is important that we do something to ensure the overall sanctions of Congress [against Iran] are maintained." According to him, this proposal would provide a framework that "allows Congress to approve or disapprove of the agreement before the government acts to lift sanctions." Senator Corker had previously noted that the Senate would play a more effective role in U.S. foreign policy, including regarding Iran, in the coming year. The Foreign Relations Committee also approved a proposal for new sanctions against Iran in Bahman, but U.S. lawmakers agreed not to present this proposal to the Senate until April 4, considering the ongoing negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 group. It is currently unclear when the proposal presented on Friday will be voted on in committee. Iran and the U.S. have had several rounds of bilateral negotiations in recent months, and negotiations this week will continue in Switzerland.