Senators push for 20-year inspection of Iran nuclear program

Two influential U.S. senators have asked fellow lawmakers to support demands that Iran accept tough conditions in nuclear talks, including two decades of international inspections, according to Reuters.

“A final agreement with Iran must put in place a long-term inspections and verification regime that lasts at least 20 years,” Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Robert Menendez and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said in a letter they intend to send to President Obama this week.

{mosads}Menendez and Graham circulated the letter among senators, saying “Iran must come clean” about any military dimensions of its nuclear program.

“Only once Iran has provided full details about its nuclear program can it begin to receive comprehensive sanctions relief,” the letter said.

“Inspections by the IAEA [the U.N.’s International Atomic Energy Agency] must be intrusive, with Iran allowing IAEA inspectors access to any and all facilities, persons or documentation,” the senators added.

Several lawmakers are likely to sign on as the Sunday deadline nears for Iran and six major world powers to reach a historic nuclear deal in Vienna.