House Republicans move to block nuclear deal with Iran as Obama's veto looms

An image of Iranian leaders is projected on a giant screen in front of demonstrators during a rally opposing the nuclear deal with Iran in Times Square in the Manhattan borough of New York City, on July 22, 2015. Reuters

A showdown looms after Republicans in the House of Representatives introduced a joint resolution on Tuesday seeking to block the Obama administration's nuclear agreement with Iran.

Rep. Ed Royce, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, filed House Joint Resolution 64, to prevent the implementation of the deal which President Obama transmitted to the US Congress last July 19.

Last month, President Obama defended the deal saying it "actually closes off Iran's pathway to a nuclear weapon."

"Today, Iran has enough nuclear material to produce up to 10 nuclear weapons. With this deal, they'll have to ship 98 percent of that material out of the country – leaving them with a fraction of what it takes to make even one weapon," he said.

Royce disagreed, saying "if this agreement goes through, Iran gets a cash bonanza, a boost to its international standing, and a lighted path toward nuclear weapons. By granting sweeping sanctions relief, we have lessened our ability to challenge Iran's conduct across the board. As Iran grows stronger, we will be weaker to respond."

House Republicans said they have 218 votes to block the Iran deal, according to a report by Fox News and the Associated Press.

The President is working to get the backing of Democrats in the House and Senate with Democrats Sen. Tim Kaine and Bill Nelson expressing their support to the agreement.

If both chambers approve to block the deal, President Obama is expected to veto it but opponents need two-thirds majority to override the veto.

"I wish the Obama administration had negotiated a verifiable, enforceable, and accountable agreement. The agreement gives Iran permanent sanctions relief, but in exchange only temporarily restrains Iran's nuclear programme," Royce said.

"But the consequences for global security from this agreement are too great. This deal gives up too much, too fast, to a terrorist state – making the world less safe, less secure, and less stable," he added.

Senator Kaine, on the other hand, said the deal is a "dramatic improvement over the status quo in improving global security. The agreement takes a nuclear weapons programme that was on the verge of success and disables it for many years through peaceful diplomatic means with sufficient tools for the international community to verify whether Iran is meeting its commitments."

related articles
Iranian diplomats say a nuclear deal has been agreed after marathon talks
Iranian diplomats say a nuclear deal has been agreed after marathon talks

Iranian diplomats say a nuclear deal has been agreed after marathon talks

UN backs Iran deal, but both US and Iranian hardliners signal resistance
UN backs Iran deal, but both US and Iranian hardliners signal resistance

UN backs Iran deal, but both US and Iranian hardliners signal resistance

GOP rivals Scott Walker and Jeb Bush both want Iran deal nixed but differ on timing
GOP rivals Scott Walker and Jeb Bush both want Iran deal nixed but differ on timing

GOP rivals Scott Walker and Jeb Bush both want Iran deal nixed but differ on timing

Speaker Boehner vows to do \'everything possible\' to stop \'bad\' nuke deal with Iran
Speaker Boehner vows to do 'everything possible' to stop 'bad' nuke deal with Iran

Speaker Boehner vows to do 'everything possible' to stop 'bad' nuke deal with Iran

Iran\'s Supreme Leader tweets cartoon showing Obama holding gun to his head
Iran's Supreme Leader tweets cartoon showing Obama holding gun to his head

Iran's Supreme Leader tweets cartoon showing Obama holding gun to his head

Mike Huckabee accuses President Obama    of taking Israelis \'to the door of the oven\'
Mike Huckabee accuses President Obama of taking Israelis 'to the door of the oven'

Mike Huckabee accuses President Obama of taking Israelis 'to the door of the oven'

News
Thousands in Rome attend funeral of 'humble' Pope Francis
Thousands in Rome attend funeral of 'humble' Pope Francis

Thousands of people crowded into St Peter's Square on Saturday morning for the funeral of Pope Francis. 

Release of man who killed Graham Staines and sons sparks public outrage 
Release of man who killed Graham Staines and sons sparks public outrage 

The release of Mahendra Hembram has raised fears of politicised justice in India.

Church of England launches housing fund to tackle community homelessness
Church of England launches housing fund to tackle community homelessness

The Church of England has unveiled a new £3.2 million grant scheme to support parishes and dioceses in developing affordable housing projects on church-owned land.

Winchester Cathedral saw bumper Easter numbers as 'quiet revival' continues
Winchester Cathedral saw bumper Easter numbers as 'quiet revival' continues

Winchester’s experience echoes that of other denominations and churches around the country.