DHAKA: US president Barack Obama has summoned Senate Democrats to the White House for a rare meeting on Wednesday as he seeks to head off a congressional rebellion that he fears could undermine his efforts at diplomacy with Iran.

Just as US diplomats begin final-stage talks with Iran over its nuclear programme, Obama is stepping up his intense lobbying within his own party to prevent Congress from passing new Iran sanctions legislation.

At present, 16 Democrats are among the 59 senators who have sponsored a bill that would impose swingeing new restrictions on Iranian oil exports if Tehran violates the interim nuclear agreement that was finalised at the weekend. Iran has threatened to pull out of the talks if the bill is passed.

Coming during one of the most difficult periods of his presidency, Obama’s efforts to pressure Senate Democrats could become a defining moment in his often troubled relationship with Congress.

Although Obama has threatened to veto the legislation, 67 votes in the Senate would overcome a veto. Support in the House of Representatives is also expected to be veto-proof.

BDST: 2122 HRS, JAN 15, 2014
Edited by Robab Rosan, Current Affairs Editor