BICOM

Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Yuval Steinitz welcomed a bill agreed by US Congress and the White House earlier this week, which hands Congress a say in approving the nascent nuclear deal with Iran.

Iran and the P5+1 powers (US, UK, France, Russia, China and Germany) agreed a framework to a comprehensive deal two weeks ago, paving the way for negotiations to begin towards a long-term accord, which must be agreed by June. However, the outline has been heavily criticised by Israeli leaders, especially Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but also the opposition Zionist Union.

The emerging deal has also been greeted with great scepticism by some members of the US Congress, who believe it will not effectively thwart Iran’s nuclear armament. They have threatened to refuse to drop Congressional-approved sanctions on Iran, which would hugely undermine any deal. A compromise bill was therefore agreed earlier this week, which requires President Obama to send Congress the text of a final deal as soon as it is completed, allowing Congress 30 days to review and respond. The bill also mandates that the White House send Congress regular reports on issues including Iran’s support for terrorism, ballistic missiles and nuclear program.

Speaking to Israel Radio about the bill yesterday, Steinitz said, “We are certainly happy this morning. This is an achievement for Israeli policy.” He explained, “This is more pressure and another barrier in the face of a bad agreement,” arguing that it will mean negotiators are more likely to push for a deal acceptable to Congress. Steinitz concluded that the bill is “a very important element in preventing a bad deal” or at least improving what is already on the table.

Meanwhile, Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani delivered a televised address yesterday, in which he brushed aside the significance of the bill, insisting that Tehran is negotiating with world powers, not Congress. He also demanded, “If there is no end to sanctions, there will not be an agreement.”