Kerry asks congressional critics of Iran deal to hold fire

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, foreground, leaves with with Hassan Khomeini, grandson of late revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini, following a conference to commemorate late Khadijeh Saghafi, wife of Ayatollah Khomeini, in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, April 12, 2015. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, foreground, leaves with with Hassan Khomeini, grandson of late revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini, following a conference to commemorate late Khadijeh Saghafi, wife of Ayatollah Khomeini, in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, April 12, 2015. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

By Associated Press April 12, 2015 1 min read

WASHINGTON (AP) – Secretary of State John Kerry is urging congressional opponents of an emerging nuclear deal with Iran to “hold their fire” until they see a final agreement later this year.

Kerry says he will brief lawmakers over the next two days as part of the Obama administration’s effort to beat back a move among lawmakers to require congressional approval to ease sanctions on Iran.

Kerry tells CBS’ “Face the Nation” that the administration should be free to negotiate without interference until the June 30 deadline for a final agreement.

On Tuesday, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee is expected to debate a bill that would give Congress a say on any deal. Republicans are trying to erect obstacles to a deal, while Democrats are aiming to give negotiators more leeway.