Republican Senators Cotton and Graham Demand Congressional Vote on Trump's Potential Iran Nuclear Deal

Republican Senators Tom Cotton and Lindsey Graham demand that any Iran nuclear deal under former President Trump be subject to congressional approval, requiring a two-thirds Senate majority for ratification. They insist Iran must dismantle its nuclear infrastructure, cease uranium enrichment, end its ballistic missile program, and stop supporting terrorism. The senators oppose any deal resembling the 2015 JCPOA, citing its flaws. Former President Trump and Vice President JD Vance support a deal that ensures the complete cessation of Iran's nuclear activities, emphasizing stronger enforcement mechanisms than the JCPOA provided.

GOP Senators Push for Senate Oversight

In a series of public statements and interviews, Sens. Cotton and Graham have made clear that they will not support any Iran nuclear deal that resembles the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which they argue was flawed and lacked enforceability. Cotton, who led a 2015 open letter to Iranian leaders warning that any deal not approved by Congress could be reversed by future administrations, reiterated that sentiment this week.

“If they want the most durable and lasting kind of deal, then they want to bring it to the Senate and have it voted on as a treaty,” Cotton told Fox News Digital. “That was one reason why President Obama’s deal was so weak.”

Graham echoed the call for legislative oversight, stating that “at a minimum,” any agreement must go through the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act (INARA), which passed with bipartisan support in 2015 and mandates congressional review of any nuclear accord with Tehran.

Conditions for Senate Approval

Both senators have outlined a series of non-negotiable demands that Iran must meet for any deal to gain Senate approval. These include:

• Total cessation of uranium enrichment.
• Dismantlement of all centrifuges and enriched uranium stockpiles.
• Termination of Iran’s ballistic missile development.
• An end to support for terrorist organizations across the Middle East.

Graham emphasized that without these conditions, there is “no way” the Senate would deliver the 67 votes required to ratify a treaty. “A treaty with Iran in this space is only possible if you get 67 votes,” he said. “You’re not going to get 67 votes for a treaty regarding their nuclear program unless they deal with the missile program and their terrorism activity.”

Trump Administration’s Position

Former President Trump, who withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018, has signaled that any new deal must go far beyond the original agreement. In a recent interview, Trump stated he would only accept the “total dismantlement” of Iran’s nuclear program. Vice President JD Vance echoed this stance, saying the administration is negotiating toward a “complete cessation” of Tehran’s nuclear activities.

Vance criticized the JCPOA for having “incredibly weak” enforcement mechanisms and claimed it preserved elements of Iran’s nuclear program. “We think that there is a deal here that would reintegrate Iran into the global economy,” Vance said, “but would result in the complete cessation of any chance that they can get a nuclear weapon.”

Legislative Precedents and Comparisons

Cotton and Graham have drawn comparisons between a potential Iran deal and the so-called “123 agreements” that govern U.S. civil nuclear cooperation with foreign nations. These agreements require strict safeguards and are often supported by congressional legislation. Cotton suggested that any comprehensive deal with Iran should be treated with similar legislative rigor.

The senators also introduced a resolution outlining “acceptable” terms for a nuclear agreement, which includes the total cessation of uranium enrichment and compliance with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections. According to the IAEA, Iran has amassed enough highly enriched uranium to potentially build several nuclear weapons, though U.S. intelligence maintains that Tehran has not yet decided to weaponize its program.

International and Strategic Context

The push for congressional oversight comes amid renewed nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. Talks are reportedly focused on limiting Iran’s uranium stockpile, reducing the number of centrifuges, and imposing intrusive inspections in exchange for sanctions relief. However, Iran has demanded guarantees that any future U.S. administration would not unilaterally withdraw from the agreement, as Trump did in 2018.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also weighed in, demanding “zero enrichment” and a Libya-style dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Israeli and U.S. officials have warned that military action remains on the table if diplomatic efforts fail.

Graham warned that time is running out for Iran to comply. “We’re not talking about long, protracted negotiations,” he said. “We’re talking weeks, not months, not years. The potential of Iranian breakout looms large here. Israel’s desire to bring closure to this issue looms large here.”

Historical Opposition to the JCPOA

The senators’ current stance is consistent with their long-standing opposition to the JCPOA. In 2015, Cotton led a controversial open letter to Iranian leaders, signed by 47 Republican senators, warning that any deal not ratified by Congress could be undone by a future president. The move was widely seen as an attempt to undermine President Obama’s negotiations.

Both Cotton and Graham have praised Trump’s decision to exit the JCPOA and have expressed confidence that he will not agree to any new deal that does not meet their stringent criteria. “I do not foresee a situation in which we’d be voting on a deal that would resemble anything like President Obama’s deal,” Cotton said, “and therefore would be so hugely controversial.”

References

• GOP senators: Congress should vote on Trump's potential Iran nuclear deal - FOX8
• How Trump blindsided Netanyahu with his Iran nuclear gamble
• Trump targets Iranian oil with sanctions, increasing pressure on Islamic Republic to make deal on nukes
• Graham, Cotton warn Iran nuclear deal without ‘complete dismantlement’ won’t pass Senate
• GOP senators: Congress should vote on Trump's potential Iran nuclear deal