US to Challenge Iran’s 'Destabilizing Policies' With All Tools - Kerry

Kerry’s remarks come as US members of Congress are preparing to vote on whether to accept the Iran nuclear agreement that the P5+1 group of countries reached with Tehran in mid-July. The agreement would ensure the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The United States is prepared to challenge with all national security means Iran’s policies that destabilize the region, Secretary of State John Kerry said during a press conference on Wednesday.

"Have no doubt, the United States will oppose Iran's destabilizing policies with every national security tool available," Kerry warned.

US negotiators have been engaged in a fierce lobbying campaign to win over Congress’ support.

Ahead of Kerry’s speech, the Obama administration secured on Wednesday the 34th vote in the Senate that will ensure the survival of the nuclear agreement. Opponents of the nuclear deal now lack the two-thirds majority needed to override a presidential veto.

The nuclear agreement, however, has been met by opposition from Republicans as well as from Israeli officials, who argue the deal is a major threat to Israeli national security. Under US law, Congress has until September 17 to fully review the nuclear agreement and pass it or reject it.

Kerry noted that the international community was not telling Iran that it cannot have a nuclear weapon for 15 years, while the United States was telling Iran it cannot have a nuclear weapon at all.

"It is a path to a much weaker position for the United States of American and to a much more dangerous Middle East," he said.