Senate Republicans demand deadline for Iran negotiations

Senate Republicans introduced a bill Wednesday that would set a deadline for nuclear negotiations with Iran.

Senate Foreign Relations Committee ranking member Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) is the lead sponsor of the Iran Nuclear Negotiation Act. Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) are cosponsors.

{mosads}Corker said the bill would allow congressional review of any deal, require the Director of National Intelligence to report to Congress on any violations by Iran to the agreement, and sets a deadline for negotiations.

If the administration doesn’t have a final comprehensive agreement by Nov. 28, U.S. sanctions against Iran would go back in place.

“I strongly support vigorous diplomatic efforts to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran, but it must be clear that there will be no more extensions,” Corker said. “Congress must weigh in on any final deal.”

The administration recently asked for an extension to reach a deal with Iran. Secretary of State John Kerry is trying to stop Iran from developing a nuclear weapons program in exchange for lifting some economic sanctions.

“I am more convinced than ever that these negotiations are unlikely to result in an agreement with Iran that prevents it from developing a nuclear weapon,” Rubio said. “By unilaterally making major concessions to the Iranians, the administration is laying the groundwork for a very bad deal. It is essential that Congress have the opportunity to fully examine, debate and vote on any deal concluded with Iran.”