Kerry begs Congress to back Iran nuke deal

US Secretary of State John Kerry has warned sceptical US lawmakers not to refuse President Barack Obama’s contentious nuclear deal with Iran, insisting America has no other options to prevent Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

Kerry testified for the second time in a week in front of the House Foreign Affairs Committee as part of the Obama adminis- tration’s accord.

“If Congress does not support the deal, we would see this deal die, with no other options,” he said.

The administration picked up critical support for the plan from Republican Sander Levin, a strong supporter of Israel, who referred to his Jewish background in announcing his decision.

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“I believe the agreement offers the best option to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon,” Levin said. “Israel’s security has and always will be of critical importance to me and our country. I believe that Israel, the region and the world are far more secure if Iran does not move toward possession of a nuclear weapon. I believe the agreement is the best way to achieve that.”

Congress has begun a 60- day review of the international agreement that curbs Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for billions of dollars in relief from sanctions stifling its economy.

The decision is proving especially tough for those who have a large number of Jewish constituencies after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it a “historic mistake”.