The Biden administration’s attempts to resurrect an Obama-era agreement with Iran permitted the Iranians to conduct nuclear research and engineering for energy purposes under UN oversight, which Republicans harshly criticized.
“Iran is a state sponsor of terror, and once in the possession of a nuclear capability, could weaponize it against our nation and our allies. The U.S. should not engage in negotiations with such a barbaric regime,” Republicans on the House Committee on Oversight and Reform said in a release on March 30.
The Iran nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, is an agreement between Iran and China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States regarding the former's nuclear energy program, the Arms Control Association reported. It limited the amounts of enriched uranium Iran was permitted to have and subjected its nuclear program to regular UN inspections. The other countries would waive a number of sanctions against Iran in return.
The Iran deal was negotiated during President Barack Obama’s term in 2015 and former President Donald Trump withdrew from it in 2019. Iran violated the agreement numerous times from 2019-2021, according to the Arms Control Association. Shortly after his inauguration, Biden began working to reverse Trump's actions and renegotiate with Iran.
Politico reported that the Biden administration's attempts to renegotiate the nuclear deal with Iran have been faced with several recent setbacks, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine and growing Congressional disapproval.
Biden’s attempts to restart the Iran nuclear deal are being met with wariness from Congress, according to The Hill. Most Republicans disagree with the policy, but several key Democrats are beginning to speak out. Sen. Bob Menendez voiced his skepticism that the renegotiated deal would be strong enough. Democrat Sens. Ben Cardin, Joe Manchin and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, along with Menendez, voted against the initial agreement in 2015.
