New Republican Congress could hand Obama major setbacks on Iran policy

After the election drubbing suffered by his Democrats, U.S. President Barack Obama will face a Republican-controlled Congress critical of his foreign policy—and which could rebel against any eventual Iran nuclear accord. Aside from the war against the Islamic State (IS) group in Iraq and Syria, Tehran’s nuclear program is undoubtedly the top foreign policy issue before Congress, with negotiations between the Islamic republic and world powers coming down to a Nov. 24 deadline. Until now, the Obama administration has essentially had a free hand in its handling of the negotiations.

It’s hard to imagine an extension being palatable on the Hill without something in return, without some sort of consequence for Iran.

Senior congressional staffer

Through his Democratic allies in the Senate, the president has managed to squelch any expansion of punitive sanctions against Tehran—measures introduced by lawmakers skeptical of Iran’s efforts. But the new Republican-controlled Senate likely will not show the same deference as Democrats, should Obama agree to extend the talks. “There’s a fairly strong consensus in this town that Iran does not feel urgency.” Lawmakers from both parties are already holding behind-the-scenes discussions over which tack to take once the new Congress opens on Jan. 3, the aide said. “If the Republicans control the Senate and these negotiations are continuing with no significant result, my assumption will be that the Republicans will move some kind of legislation,” predicted Mark Dubowitz, an expert who advocates for tougher sanctions on Iran and has testified before Congress on the issue. A draft bill prepared by Democratic Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman Robert Menendez and Republican Senator Mark Kirk—which would trigger sanctions against Iran at a predetermined date if no final deal is reached—could serve as a base text, said Dubowitz.

[Lawmakers] might try to pass something that increases sanctions and flies in the face of the administration’s policy.

Gordon Adams, professor of international relations, American University in Washington

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