White House warns Senate anew on Iran legislation

Washington — The White House has issued a new warning to the Senate to stay out of negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program.

Chief of staff Denis McDonough tells Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker in a letter Saturday that legislation the Tennessee Republican is sponsoring would potentially prevent any agreement from succeeding by asserting that Congress must vote to approve any deal.

McDonough also criticizes a provision that would undo President Barack Obama’s authority to lift existing sanctions on Iran.

McDonough reiterates the White House position that congressional action before a deal is reached would be harmful to the talks, which are to resume Sunday in Switzerland.

The U.S. and other world powers involved in the negotiations face a March 31 deadline to reach a framework deal with Iran.