Radioactive: Obama, Congress & Iran

American senators often act as if the world hangs on their every committee hearing. Today it might actually be true, as the Senate Foreign Relations Committee considers a bipartisan bill that would oblige Barack Obama to submit a final nuclear deal with Iran to Congress for approval. The president has vowed to veto the bill as drafted, with the White House notably cross about clauses that could slow the lifting of sanctions. The committee’s Republican chairman, Bob Corker of Tennessee, says that he merely wants Congress to help craft a robust agreement, and is open to reasonable amendments. Mr Corker, a moderate, has several Democratic allies. Still, he may struggle to reach the 67 votes needed for a veto-proof bill. Democrats fear tying the president’s hands. Republican hardliners would happily kill a deal. Yesterday’s decision by Russia (another party to the nuclear talks) to unfreeze missile sales to Iran may well stiffen their opposition.