WASHINGTON — Lawmakers wasted no time calling for new sanctions on Iran after nuclear negotiators punted for a second time.
Top Republicans in the House and Senate urged immediate action as soon as the new GOP-dominated Congress takes office in January following midterm elections that saw Democrats lose the Senate. The statements follow a slew of letters to the administration ahead of the Nov. 24 deadline that laid out firm demands for any final agreement.

Despite feisty rhetoric from hawkish members who are taking power, Republicans — and Congress more generally — remain divided on the best way forward. On both sides of the aisle, some critics of the negotiations haven’t given up on the talks, suggesting that those who expect a raft of new sanctions early in the new year shouldn’t hold their breath.

“We believe this latest extension of talks should be coupled with increased sanctions and a requirement that any final deal between Iran and the United States be sent to Congress for approval,” Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., the incoming chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said in a joint statement with Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H. “Every member of Congress should have the opportunity to review the final deal and vote on this major foreign policy decision.”

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