By BRADLEY KLAPPER
In this Nov. 12, 2013, photo, Secretary of State John Kerry speaks during a reception for U.S. Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy at the Japanese Ambassador’s residence in Washington. The Obama administration is pleading with Congress to allow more time for diplomacy with Iran, but faces sharp resistance from Republican and Democratic lawmakers determined to further squeeze the Iranian economy and wary about yielding any ground in nuclear negotiations. Back from a week of nuclear talks in Geneva and tense consultations with nervous Middle East allies, Kerry was to present the administration’s case to his ex-colleagues in the Senate on Nov. 13 and ask them to hold off on a package of new, tougher Iran sanctions under consideration. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)
WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State John Kerry says Congress risks scuttling nuclear negotiations with Iran if it moves ahead with new sanctions at this time.
Kerry says the U.S. and other world powers are united in support of an interim deal with Iran. It would offer some sanctions to Tehran relief in exchange for nuclear concessions.
But he says the U.S. could quickly lose its partners if it starts adding sanctions while waiting for an Iranian response. Negotiations are to resume next week.
Kerry spoke prior to testifying before the Senate Banking Committee.
The committee is examining a new package of Iran sanctions, but Democratic and Republican lawmakers are divided on whether to give the administration more time for diplomacy.
