WASHINGTON — European diplomatic efforts have helped persuade Congress to hold off on passing legislation that would violate the Iran nuclear deal, at least for now. In the wake of US President Donald Trump’s decision to not certify the Iran nuclear deal in October, a 60-day window for Congress to vote to reimpose Iran nuclear sanctions with only a simple majority closed Dec. 12 with no action.
Meanwhile, once-discussed alternative draft legislation spearheaded by Sens. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., and Bob Corker, R-Tenn., has stalled in part because the Democrats have stood firm in opposing it and also because European diplomats have extensively consulted with members of Congress about how elements of it could violate the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).