Rejecting Iran nuclear agreement will lead to military action: Kerry

Kerry speaks during a press conference with Vietnam’s Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hanoi on August 7, 2015. (AFP Photo)

US Secretary of State John Kerry has criticized Democratic Senator Charles Schumer for deciding to vote against the conclusion of Iran nuclear talks, suggesting it would only pave the way for military option.

Kerry said in Vietnam on Friday that rejecting the July 14 accord "will lead people to put pressure on military action, since the United States would have walked away from the diplomatic solution."

His criticism came one day after Schumer announced that he would not vote in favor of the agreement after studying it.

The Jewish senator said the accord does not allow inspections "anywhere, anytime."

Kerry, however, said that he “obviously profoundly disagree with the judgement made.”

"It's a question of eliminating options in a realistic way," the top US diplomat added. "I would respectfully suggest that rejection is not a policy for the future; it does not offer any alternative."

 

White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest (AFP Photo)

 

Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said on Friday that Schumer’s decision was not surprising.

The decision “was not particularly surprising to anybody here at the White House, even if it was disappointing,” Earnest said.

He added that 12 Democrats — seven in the House of Representatives and five in the Senate — are supporting President Barack Obama’s deal with Iran.

Congress in September will vote on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) reached between Iran and the P5+1 group -- the United States, Britain, France, China, Russia and Germany – in Vienna on July 14.

According to the accord, Iran will be recognized by the United Nations as a nuclear power and will continue its uranium enrichment program.

Iran sanctions are set to be removed in exchange for some limitations on the country’s nuclear energy program.

Democratic Senators Tim Kaine, Bill Nelson, Barbara Boxer, Chris Murphy and Patrick Leahy have so far supported the conclusion of the nuclear talks.

 


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