A coalition of moderates and reformers achieved major gains in both the Majles (parliament) and Assembly of Experts elections held on Feb. 26, and more in this week’s Belfer Iran Brief, covering February 22-March 4, 2016.

Members of the Iranian parliament (Majles) passed legislation on Oct. 13 approving the implementation of the nuclear deal reached between Iran and the West, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The legislation passed with 161 lawmakers in support, 59 opposed, and 13 abstentions. It was subsequently ratified by the Guardian Council, which vets all Majles legislation, and approved by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The bill was published only in Farsi; Iran Matters’ original English translation is below.

The author thanks Payam Mohseni for editing of translation.

Henry Rome reviews the latest version of the Iran oversight legislation drafted by Sen. Ben Cardin (D, Maryland). Since publishing a “discussion draft” last month, Cardin removed language related to Iranian production of highly enriched uranium (HEU) but retained sections permitting new terrorism sanctions and increasing defense assistance to Israel.

Henry Rome reviews new legislation drafted by Sen. Ben Cardin (D, Maryland), which aims to expand Congressional oversight of the nuclear deal’s implementation and its power to impose new sanctions.

Henry Rome describes the Iranian Parliament's review of the nuclear agreement. 

Nuclear negotiations with Iran have apparently reached an impasse over the future of United Nations arms restrictions against Iran. What are these embargoes, and why is there controversy?

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee unanimously approved a revised version of the Corker-Menendez bill this week, and the White House confirmed that President Obama would not veto the measure. The revised version differs from its predecessor in two main ways: the length of time for Congressional review is reduced and the terrorism certification provision is removed.

Henry Rome analyzes the new Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act, sponsored by Senator Bob Corker (R, Tenn.), and assesses how it will allow for Congressional review of a nuclear deal with Iran.

Henry Rome analyzes the new Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act, sponsored by Senator Bob Corker (R, Tenn.), and assesses how it will allow for Congressional review of a nuclear deal with Iran.

Senate Republicans released an open letter to Iran’s leadership on Monday explaining that any nuclear arrangement reached without the approval of Congress could be revoked by the next president “with the stroke of a pen.”