The Hill – 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.
“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 a Washington Post op-ed.
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 has pledged to “walk away from the negotiations if, in fact, it is a bad deal.”
Critics argue a framework deal reached earlier this year is not tight enough to keep Iran from developing weapons.
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.
2 July 2015
