The Obama administration is asking Congress to delay a new round of sanctions on Iran amidst continued negotiations over the Iranian nuclear program. Lawmakers from both parties have vowed to move ahead with a measure targeting Iranian oil exports despite the recent progress in talks between Iran, the United States and five other world powers. Iran would see a limited relief in sanctions in return for suspending some nuclear activities. The negotiations are set to resume in Geneva next week. Secretary of State John Kerry is meeting with Senate Banking Committee members today in a bid to delay a sanctions vote. On Tuesday, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said Congress should give the talks a chance rather than lead the United States on a “march to war.”

Jay Carney: “This administration has imposed the most crippling sanctions in history against Iran, and we appreciate the leverage those sanctions have given us, and we appreciate the partnership that Congress has given us in that effort. But this is a decision to support diplomacy and a possible peaceful resolution to this issue. The American people, justifiably and understandably, prefer a peaceful solution that prevents Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. And this agreement, if it’s achieved, has the potential to do that. The American people do not want a march to war.”