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 President Barack Obama's administration has urged lawmakers not to
impose more sanctions during negotiations over Iran's disputed
nuclear program, saying it could alienate both the Islamic Republic
and other countries involved in the talks by making Washington
appear to be acting in bad faith.
The letter to James Clapper, the director of National Intelligence,
also asked for a report by December 12 on any effects congressional
action on new sanctions legislation might have on the negotiations
with Iran.
Iran and six world powers plan expert-level talks next week to work
out details of implementing the agreement for Tehran to curb its
nuclear program — which it says is for civilian purposes but the
West says is aimed at making weapons — in return for an easing of
existing sanctions.
Many lawmakers oppose easing sanctions, arguing that the trade
restrictions brought Iran to the table by crippling its oil-based
economy and say more sanctions would increase the pressure for
Tehran to curb its nuclear plans.
The letter, dated Friday, asked for briefings from the intelligence
community every 45 days, starting on January 30, on whether Iran is
complying with terms of the interim deal reached in Geneva on
November 24.
It was from Senators Tim Johnson, chairman of the Banking Committee,
which oversees sanctions legislation, Dianne Feinstein, who heads
the Intelligence Committee, and Carl Levin, who heads the Armed
Services Committee.
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If Tehran adheres to the inspection and verification system included
in the agreement, the letter said, "this will help to build
confidence that, at least in the short term, Iran will be unable to
pose a credible military threat to its neighbors in the region,
including Israel."
Many members of Congress, including several of Obama's fellow
Democrats, are more hawkish on Iran than the Obama administration,
expressing concerns that Tehran is not to be trusted and poses a
threat to U.S. ally Israel.
Secretary of State John Kerry is due to testify about Iran to
members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday and other senior
State and Treasury officials are to be witnesses at a Senate hearing
on the interim deal on Thursday.
(Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; editing by Vicki Allen)
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