Harry Reid to back Iran deal

Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid is on board with President Barack Obama's nuclear agreement with Iran.

The Nevada senator, who is not seeking re-election, on Sunday became the 27th and most powerful Senate Democrat to throw his support behind the president and the Iran nuclear deal, which could open the door for some of his non-committed colleagues to come aboard.

"I strongly support the historic agreement and will do everything in my power to ensure that it stands," said Reid, in a news release. The White House had no immediate comment.

It will take 34 votes in the Senate to stop Congress from scuttling the deal, and having Reid on the president's side will make it difficult for opponents to muster the needed support in the Senate from Democrats. In the Senate, only two Democrats — Chuck Schumer of New York and Robert Menendez of New Jersey — have announced opposition to the deal.

Instead, a steady stream of Democrats have recently backed the deal, and Reid's support will provide an opportunity for others to jump on board. The announcement also comes before Obama heads to Nevada.

I will do everything in my power to support this agreement and ensure that America holds up our end of the commitment we have made to our allies and the world to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran," Reid said.

Republicans and the Israeli government oppose the deal signed by the U.S., Iran and five world powers. They say Obama's agreement makes too many concessions to Iran and could actually enable that country to become a nuclear-armed state.

Congress plans a vote next month on a resolution disapproving of the deal, which Obama has threatened to veto. Opponents would then need two-thirds majorities in the House and the Senate to override.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi already has said House Democratic supporters have the votes necessary to sustain Obama's veto despite unanimous Republican opposition.

The Associated Press