If supporters “want the United States to take military action, they should be up front with the American people and say so,” Bernadette Meehan, a spokeswoman for the National Security Council, said in a statement. “Otherwise, it’s not clear why any member of Congress would support a bill that possibly closes the door on diplomacy and makes it more likely that the United States will have to choose between military options or allowing Iran’s nuclear program to continue.”

“It is wrong for the White House to continue questioning the integrity and motives of anyone who supports more sanctions,” said Mark Wallace, chief executive of the group. “It is nonsensical and out of bounds to say that a bipartisan majority of US senators secretly wants war with Iran.”

The White House argues that by driving Iran from the bargaining table, the tough new sanctions bill could undermine international negotiations with Tehran.

The White House statement was the first time the administration had accused sanctions advocates of a concealed agenda.

Iran and six major foreign powers, including the US, signed an interim deal in November that eases some sanctions. Iran's nuclear envoy in Geneva said Friday that an initial agreement has been reached on how to implement a nuclear deal with six world powers.

The EU has reported "very good progress" at the Friday talks with Iran on the implementation of a deal on Iran's nuclear program.

NTJ/HH