The debate over new sanctions on Iran has exposed a rift between Sen. Charles Schumer and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
Schumer, the No. 3 Democratic leader, is spearheading a move toward tough new sanctions, but Reid (D-Nev.) now wants to go slowly.
“It will say to the Iranians, if you don’t come to a good, fair agreement there are going to be even additional sanctions,” Schumer said Monday in Peekskill.
Tighter restrictions on Iran likely wouldn’t kick in for at least six months.
Still, Schumer’s break with President Obama over the deal pits him against Reid and threatens to give a green light to other Democrats looking to defect.
Reid said Monday on NPR that the Senate would act only “if we need to do stronger sanctions.”