President Barack Obama will pressure Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to ensure a bill to increase sanctions against Iran never reaches the Senate floor, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton claimed Tuesday.
"The administration is desperate to defend this deal it cut in Geneva this past weekend," Bolton told Fox News' "America's Newsroom."
"I think the administration is going to put pressure on Reid to make sure there's no vote on this," he added.
The U.S. joined with allies agreeing to a six-month deal with Iran that calls for easing of some sanctions, while limiting its nuclear activities.
Obama does not want a vote on a bill to increase sanctions against Iran, already passed in the House, because he fears it could undo the agreement, Bolton maintained.
"I don't think the administration wants to veto the sanctions. But, I think they fear it's the sort of political obstacle that could make the deal come unstuck. And, indeed, it could," Bolton said.
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The deal showed there are cracks in the relationship of the U.S. with Europe, Bolton said. He predicted European companies and Iran would take advantage of weaknesses in the agreement.
"I think Iran has seen that they can drive a wedge between Europe and the United States on the sanctions. European companies already engaged in discussions with Iran to take advantage of any relaxation of the sanctions," he said.
New York Republican Rep. Peter King, appearing on the same show, agreed that, since the deal was made, countries are looking to do business with Iran.
"Already, we see countries around the world, especially in Europe and Asia, are trying to get involved with agreements with Iran. They see real potential there," King said.
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