This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-34131315
The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Obama secures enough support from senators for Iran deal | Obama secures enough support from senators for Iran deal |
(35 minutes later) | |
US President Barack Obama has secured enough support in the US Senate to ensure that the Iran nuclear deal will go into effect. | |
Democrat Barbara Mikulski of Maryland became the 34th senator to back the deal on Wednesday. | Democrat Barbara Mikulski of Maryland became the 34th senator to back the deal on Wednesday. |
US Congress could still oppose the deal, but Mr Obama has now enough votes to override any resolution of disapproval. | US Congress could still oppose the deal, but Mr Obama has now enough votes to override any resolution of disapproval. |
He has said the deal cuts off "every pathway to a nuclear weapon" for Iran. | He has said the deal cuts off "every pathway to a nuclear weapon" for Iran. |
"No deal is perfect, especially one negotiated with the Iranian regime," sad Ms Mikulski in a statement. "I have concluded that this Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is the best option available to block Iran from having a nuclear bomb. For these reasons, I will vote in favour of the deal." | |
Republicans have been unified in their opposition to the Iran accord, saying the deal would only "embolden" Iran. | |
Two Democratic senators - Chuck Schumer of New York and Robert Menendez of New Jersey -- are also opposed, as are a handful of Democrats in the House. | |
Congress is set to vote on the accord later this month, but the White House is hopeful it can secure seven additional votes to allow for a legislative move known as a filibuster. | |
A filibuster would prevent a final vote and Mr Obama would not need to use his veto power to keep the Iran deal on track. | |
Negotiations between Iran and six world powers - the US, UK, France, China, Russia and Germany - began in 2006. | |
The deal, reached with the six world powers in July, would begin to be implemented by November. | |
The so-called P5+1 want Iran to scale back its sensitive nuclear activities to ensure that it cannot build a nuclear weapon. | |
Iran, which wants crippling international sanctions lifted, has always insisted that its nuclear work is peaceful. |