McCarthy: Obama should prepare to walk away from Iran talks

House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) has joined the rapidly growing number of GOP lawmakers urging President Obama to walk away from nuclear talks with Iran rather strike a deal that could harm American interests.

Ahead of the July 7 deadline for reaching a deal, charges from Republicans that Obama will be willing to accept a bad deal in order to bolster his legacy have grown.

{mosads}“Now that the deadline for the negotiations has passed, Obama should ignore the rhetoric that his legacy depends on an agreement and be prepared to reject a bad deal,” McCarthy wrote Thursday in an op-ed in The Washington Post.

He said reports that the administration might not require Iran to disclose its past atomic research, is considering lifting sanctions not tied to Iran’s nuclear effort and could ease inspections after a bargain is reached “give serious cause” for concern.

“All three reflect this administration’s unbridled quest for an agreement. But all three would guarantee a bad deal,” according to McCarthy. 

Obama on Tuesday pledged to “walk away from the negotiations if, in fact, it is a bad deal.”

The administration has argued a deal with Iran could make the Middle East safer by keeping nuclear weapons from Tehran. Critics argue a framework deal reached earlier this year is not tight enough to keep Iran from developing weapons. 

Israel’s government has also harshly criticized the negotiations.

Negotiators have until July 9 to turn over a finalized deal to lawmakers or face a longer congressional review period. 

Lawmakers are ready to scrutinize any agreement, according to McCarthy.

“As negotiations continue, Congress stands ready to stand up for core U.S. national security interests — and against a bad deal with Iran,” he said.