By Patricia Zengerle

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – 49 of 50 Republican U.S. Senators stated Monday that they would not support an emerging nuclear agreement between Iran and the world powers. This was a clear indication of their opposition to any attempts to revive a 2015 deal amid concerns about talks falling apart.

According to press reports, Russia could torpedo the agreement as it stands, lawmakers stated that Democratic President Joe Biden might strike a deal with Iran to reduce sanctions and ease restrictions.

They pledged that they would do all in their power “to reverse” an agreement which does not allow Iran to build a nuclear bomb, limit its missile programs and confront Iran’s support of terrorism.

Tehran says it has never wanted atomic weapons.

The 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and the major powers that was reached under Democratic President Barack Obama did not win support from Republicans in Congress. It curtailed Iran’s enrichment program, but also lifted international sanctions. A few Democrats were also opposed.

The only Republican to have not signed the statement was Senator Rand Paul. His aides didn’t immediately reply to my request for comment.

Although Congress might be authorized to renew an accord under the 2015 Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act, (INARA), lawmakers will not have the power to end the agreement. This is despite having failed to do so in 2015.

The Democrats hold slim majority in the Senate and House of Representatives, but they are unlikely to vote against Biden enough to block a significant initiative such as an Iran agreement.

Congress might be allowed to renew the agreement as per the 2015 Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act, but it is unlikely that they can do so after having failed to do so in 2015. In 2015, Republicans controlled Congress with no majority to stop ratification.

Both the Senate and House of Representatives now have slim Majorities of Democrats.

This 2015 agreement made it difficult for Tehran develop nuclear-weapons material. After Donald Trump, the Republican president of the United States, pulled out in 2018, it fell apart. He claimed that Iran was benefiting from its flaws.

Biden’s election as president in 2013 brought about a resumption of talks.

The last-minute demands of Russia, at odds over the invasion by Ukraine, caused talks to be halted in Vienna. However the text was nearly complete.

On Monday, a spokesperson from Iran’s foreign minister stated that Washington must make a decision on whether to close a deal.