Iran and a coalition of world powers led by the United States have reached an agreement that will lift international sanctions in exchange for restricting programs that could enable the production of a nuclear weapon.
Here's a brief outline of what the deal entails:
As Iran shows complicity with the terms of the agreement, sanctions will be lifted by the U.S., EU, and the United Nations, releasing $100 million in frozen Iranian assets. A mechanism is also in place should Iran violate the deal that would put sanctions back in place over a period of 65 days.
In exchange, Iran has agreed to curb the amount of time they can produce a nuclear weapon from a few months to over ten years.
Iran said it will not enrich uranium over 3.67 percent for at least 15 years and will sell or dilute all uranium under its possession that is already enriched.
UN inspectors can demand access to nuclear facilities on Iranian military sites, though not immediately. A predetermined joint commission — made up of one member from each negotiating side – will then have to approve the inspection.
Five years from now, Iran will be allowed to buy and sell conventional arms on the international market.
Eight years from now, Iran can buy and sell ballistic missiles.
Congress has 60 days to approve or disapprove of the deal. President Obama can (and has already said he will) veto the disapproval unless Congress overrides the veto.
As you might expect, Republican candidates, politicians and pundits have reacted to the news with varying degrees of doomsaying.
To ensure the safety of America & our allies the next president must restore bipartisan & int'l opposition to #Iran’s nuclear program. -SW
— Scott Walker (@ScottWalker) July 14, 2015
Scott Walker is seemingly unaware that opposition to Iran is international and the deal was negotiated by a group of other nations.
The nuclear agreement with Iran is a dangerous, deeply flawed, and short sighted deal. My full statement: http://t.co/sSftOAkyAM
— Jeb Bush (@JebBush) July 14, 2015
Jeb Bush is being advised by a who's who list of Iraq war cronies.
"President Obama’s decision to sign a nuclear deal with #Iran is one of the most destructive foreign policy decisions in my lifetime."
— Rick Perry (@GovernorPerry) July 14, 2015
As the comparisons to Neville Chamberlain pour in, it's important to remember that the Republican-controlled Congress cannot kill this deal without significant help from congressional Democrats.
Some liberals lit their hair fire earlier this year when congressional Democrats agreed to pass legislation that will give Republicans in Congress a chance to vote against the Iran deal, but in doing so they guaranteed Congress will not be able to block it.
Congress will have an opportunity to voice their disapproval of the deal, but their disapproval will be subjected to a possible filibuster and a presidential veto.
I cannot envision a scenario in which Congress musters enough votes to override a presidential veto if it even reaches the president's desk.