Senate Democrats are on brink of rolling out a new proposal to impose new sanctions on Iran but the bill would give the White House the flexibility it needs to defer the sanctions if a long term deal is within reach after the six month deadline on the temporary deal expires, The Washington Post reports.

“We’re talking about a six month window, plus providing the President with two additional 30 day periods if an agreement is imminent and additional days/weeks are needed to close out a deal,” a Senate aide emailed The Washington Post Tuesday. “We’re talking about six months, plus two 30-day periods — a total of 240 days. Beyond that, over the 240 day threshold, very likely, there will be a mechanism in place for additional presidential waivers to suspend sanctions for 30 day increments if certain benchmarks are met, and if Iran is still complying with the interim agreement and negotiation in good faith.”

Secretary of State John Kerry urged members of Congress Tuesday not to pursue tougher sanctions against Iran even with a 6-months delay timeline. “I’m not saying never. If this doesn’t work we’re coming back and asking you for more. I’m just saying not right now,” Kerry stressed during a Q&A with House members.

“Let me be very clear: This is a very delicate diplomatic moment and we have a chance to address peacefully one of the most pressing national security concerns that the world faces today,” Kerry told the House Foreign Affairs Committee. “We’re at a crossroads. We’re at one of those really hinge points in history. One path could lead to an enduring resolution in the international community’s concerns about Iran’s nuclear program. The other path could lead to continued hostility and potentially to conflict.”

“I came away from our preliminary negotiations with serious questions about whether or not they’re ready and willing to make some of the choices that have to be made,” Kerry said. “Has Iran changed its nuclear calculus? I honestly don’t think we can say for sure yet. And we certainly don’t take words at face value.”

But he stressed Iran’s seriousness would be put to the test over the six months set out in the interim deal.

Kerry also wouldn’t rule out extending the 5-months period if negotiations are advanced but not completed. “I not gonna say that it won’t happen but it’s not our preference,” Kerry said to a questions posed by Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ). “My hope is that this can be resolved sooner rather than later. My hope is we could even move faster than the six months, I think there’s a chance that it might be possible. So I can’t tell you today. We left a provision that could extend the six months but it has to be by mutual consent. If we’re really making progress and we think we’re on track, we may come to you and describe that to you and you made concur in the judgment that is worth a few more months or something. My hope is and my expectation is that will not have to happen, but it could.”

(Jacob Kornbluh – YWN)