American veterans are increasingly joining in the Iran deal fight as the debate turns from its technical merits to concerns about empowering a US foe.

War fighters’ mixed feelings about the nuclear agreement will be on full display today when two groups claiming the veterans’ mantle hold dueling rallies in New York and Virginia. Both hope to capitalize on the good name of an institution that consistently polls as one of the most respected in the country as Congress prepares to vote on the deal.

“Our veterans are specifically veterans that have ties to this fight. [They’ve] been dealing with the regime since 1979,” said Michael Pregent, executive director of Veterans Against the Deal. “We have a loud, reputable voice and know what we’re talking about.”

The group will hold a rally along with the Stop Iran Coalition today in front of the New York City offices of Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, who has come out in favor of the deal. The rally will include Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a long-shot presidential candidate and Air Force reserve colonel, as well as hawkish former Sen. Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn.