McConnell acknowledges difficulty in blocking Iran deal

(AP) — President Barack Obama has "a great likelihood of success" in his showdown with congressional Republicans on the Iran nuclear deal, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell grudgingly acknowledged on Monday.

The deal with Tehran and world powers would curb Iran's nuclear program in exchange for relief from economic sanctions.

Obama has pledged to veto a congressional resolution of disapproval.

In the House, 146 Democrats are necessary to sustain a veto and 48 have expressed their support for the accord, compared to 10 opponents.

"The campaign of the president to get it approved will be entirely among Democrats, probably Democrats in very safe Democratic seats whose only fear of re-election would probably be getting a primary," he said.

Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake, the lone Republican senator who was considering support for the nuclear deal, recently announced plans to vote no.