Report: US Senate Democratic Leader Backs Iran Nuclear Deal
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – US Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid said he will extend his strong support to the July 14 nuclear agreement reached between Iran and world powers in Vienna, Austria, media reports said.
"I strongly support the historic agreement and will do everything in my power to ensure that it stands," Reid said on Sunday, AP reported.
“This nuclear agreement is consistent with the greatest traditions of American leadership,” Reid said in a separate statement. "I will vote no on the resolution of disapproval and urge my colleagues to do the same.”
Reid is the 27th Senate Democrat to back the accord and the highest ranking in the Senate. His support will make it difficult for opponents to summon the veto-proof numbers needed in the Senate, and therefore, in Congress to scuttle the agreement.
It seems that the opponents of the accord are less likely to secure sufficient support.
In the Senate, only two Democrats — Schumer and Robert Menendez of New Jersey — have announced opposition to the deal. With the addition of Reid's support, Democrats are getting closer to the 34 votes needed in the Senate to sustain the veto.
Iran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany) finalized the text of lasting deal on Tehran’s nuclear program on July 14.
While the United Nations Security Council has adopted a resolution to endorse the deal, the text of the document needs to be ratified by both Iran's Parliament and the US Congress.
US President Barack Obama has promised a swift veto in the event of a Congressional rejection of the agreement in September. Lawmakers would then have to find enough votes to override the president.