Republican Senators in the United States Congress refused to back the emerging version of the Iran nuclear deal, portraying disagreement in the thinly divided Senate. 49 of the 50 Republican Senators refused to agree with the new nuclear deal.

The GOP lawmakers said that President Joe Biden’s administration may broker a deal that would weaken the nuclear deal and sanctions placed on Iran. However, the Senators cited reports on the new deal, which is still being finalised.

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A similar reaction from the US Congress was seen in 2015, when former President Barack Obama’s administration sealed the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act (INARA). The act was a two-way street for both, United States and Iran.

Multiple international sanctions were lifted off Tehran following the agreement, while Iran’s uranium enrichment programme was restricted.

While most Senators of the Republican party wish to “completely block” Iran’s capability of developing nuclear arms, only one lawmaker refused to take sides right now. 

Rand Paul, a GOP lawmaker from Kentucky, did not sign the letter opposing the upcoming nuclear deal with Iran. He wrote in a statement, “Condemning a deal that is not yet formulated is akin to condemning diplomacy itself, not a very thoughtful position”, according to reports from Reuters.

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While the Iranian foreign ministry has urged Washington to fast-track the process and make a decision, a thinly divided Senate and House of Representatives may give Biden the edge. Democrats are currently in control of both the legislative houses.

The previous nuclear deal between Iran and the United States restricted Tehran’s ability to acquire and use uranium to develop nuclear weapons. However, the deal failed soon after Donald Trump took over as President and withdrew Washington’s signature.