“Nothing works for them unless this deal is accepted”, Kerry told the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
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“I believe that Israel, the region and the world are far more secure if Iran does not move toward possession of a nuclear weapon”, Kerry told members who, at times, blasted the deal.
It’s the second time state TV has broadcast Kerry’s testimony this week, marking a further departure from Iran’s longtime policy of not broadcasting remarks by U.S. officials.
In addition to the Iran Deal, the poll also found that 49% approve of how President Obama is handling his role as commander-in-chief, while 47% disapprove. The two countries have not had diplomatic relations for more than three decades and are fiercely divided on a host of regional issues.
The support of a senior Jewish congressman, who has served Michigan for 33 years, could be significant in building momentum for Democratic backing of the deal.
At least some within Congress have started to voice support for the nascent accord with Rep. Sandy Levin, a vocal supporter of Israel, saying in a statement that he believes it provides for Tel Aviv’s security.
The deal ensures that Iran is “permanently banned” from developing nuclear weapons, Kerry said, adding that numerous restrictions imposed would be in place “not just for 15 or 20 years, but for the lifetime” of its nuclear program, reported The Associated Press.
Secretary of State John Kerry admitted Tuesday that congressional disapproval of the nuclear deal with Iran would effectively kill the deal because Tehran would be unwilling to renegotiate it.
Insisting that “nothing in this deal is built on trust”, Kerry said the agreement is founded “on very specific steps that have to be taken”. He claims that if Congress rejects it, Iran will go back to enriching uranium and there is no way that the Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would return to the negotiating table given his ongoing mistrust of the West.
John Kerry is attempting to convince Congress to support the nuclear deal struck with Iran.
“I believe the agreement offers the best option to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon”, Levin said.
A U.S. Cabinet member unwittingly admitted Wednesday that he has not yet seen side agreements between Iran and the UN’s nuclear watchdog, regarding Tehran’s nuclear program.
Others anxious about Iran’s support for militants fighting U.S. allies.
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Kerry was peppered with questions from Republicans who expressed concerns about the effect on Israel of a deal, access to a military base south of Tehran, the timing of sanction relief, the fate of four Americans held against their will in Iran and more.
