Madeleine Albright Calls Iran Nuclear Deal ‘Wise Diplomatic Initiative’
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright (from 1997 to 2001) described the conclusion of nuclear talks between Iran and world powers as a “wise diplomatic initiative”.
“The United States and Iran have been locked in an adversarial relationship since the 1979 hostage crisis. Having worked for President Jimmy Carter, I viewed the country through the prism of that experience when I served in the Clinton administration. Nevertheless, as secretary of state I felt it important to explore the possibility of developing a less chilly relationship with Iran,” Albright wrote in a piece published online by the CNN on Monday.
She added, “During my time in office, we offered to engage in dialogue, but the Iranians were not ready. In the end, although we improved the relationship on the margins, we failed to make much of a dent in the thick wall of mistrust separating our two countries.”
She also warned that rejection of the agreement would make the US further isolated in the international community and said, “Experience convinces me that the nuclear agreement between world powers and Iran is a wise diplomatic initiative.”
Democrats appear close to having enough support for the deal to bottle up the disapproval measure with procedural motions. If Republicans vote in a united bloc, they would need the support of six Democrats to break a filibuster, but only two Democrats have broken ranks so far.
If the resolution is filibustered, it would be a major victory for the White House, which wouldn’t have to use President Obama’s veto pen to protect the Iran deal.
Iran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany- also known as P5+1 or E3+3) finalized the text of lasting deal on Tehran’s nuclear program on July 14.
When Congress returns to Capitol Hill from its August recess after Labor Day, both the House and Senate are expected to vote on resolutions disapproving the July 14 accord.
While it is expected Congress will vote to disapprove the deal, President Obama can veto their disapproval, and Republicans are unlikely to have the votes to override that veto as so far 31 US Democratic Senators have come in favor of the deal.