April 28, 2015

A Review Timeline for Iran Nuclear Deal


  1. The bipartisan Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act provides a process for Congress to review any final agreement between the president and Iran.

  2. Through this bill, the American people will have a voice in the most significant nuclear agreement of this decade.

  3. After 30 days of review (or in some cases 60), Congress can approve the deal, disapprove it, or do nothing.


The Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act provides a process for Congress to review any final agreement concerning Iran’s nuclear program. The bill requires the president to submit the agreement and other documents to Congress within five days of completing it. If the agreement is submitted before July 10, the president’s authority to provide sanctions relief to Iran is suspended for 30 days. Congress can then do three things: 1) approve the deal; 2) disapprove it; or 3) do nothing.

Congress Approves the Deal

If Congress approves the deal with a joint resolution, the president’s sanctions waiver authority is reinstated upon approval.

Congress Disapproves the Deal

If Congress disapproves the deal, the suspension of the president’s sanctions waiver authority is extended for 12 days following passage of a resolution of disapproval. It is extended for 10 days following any veto of a resolution of disapproval. These extensions can run concurrently.

Congress Does Nothing

If Congress does nothing, the president’s sanctions waiver authority is reinstated after 30 days.

In each case, the 30-day review period becomes 60 days if the agreement and other documents are submitted between July 10 and September 7.

Issue Tag: National Security