Obama is trying to reassure congressional Democrats on the Iran nuclear deal

Obama sent letter to Congress on Iran deal
(Image credit: Alex Wong/Getty Images)

In an Aug. 19 letter to Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), President Obama noted pointedly that the deal to curb Iran's nuclear program doesn't prevent the U.S. from acting unilaterally if Iran tries to cheat. "Should Iran seek to dash toward a nuclear weapon, all of the options available to the United States — including the military option — will remain available through the life of the deal and beyond," the president wrote.

Though the letter is addressed to Nadler, The New York Times says it is "also aimed at other Democrats with concerns about the deal." Obama needs the support of Democrats to sustain an expected veto if the GOP Congress rejects the deal. So far, only two Senate Democrats — Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) and Robert Menedez (N.J.) — and 12 House Democrats have said they will vote against the accord.

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Peter Weber, The Week US

Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.