The United States appears poised to lift at least some sanctions against Iran — possibly as early as January, the Associated Press reports.

Secretary of State John Kerry said in a letter to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that Iran is fulfilling its obligations under the international agreement in what Kerry calls a "transparent" and "verifiable" way, and that "suspension of sanctions ... is appropriate."

The committee's top Democrat, Maryland Sen. Ben Cardin, said at a hearing Thursday, December 17, that it appears that sanctions relief could start as early as January, not in the spring as initially anticipated.

Cardin said that throughout the congressional review of the nuclear deal, witnesses for the administration guessed that it would be spring until Iran could comply with the terms required for that relief to begin.

The deal involving the United States, Iran and five other world powers would curb Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for giving Iran access to billions in frozen assets and oil revenue.

"Now we understand it is likely that Iran will be in compliance and entitled to sanctions relief as early as January," Cardin said at the hearing where Obama administration officials were questioned about the deal.

"Obviously, we want them to comply — don't get me wrong," Cardin said. "But why did we misjudge so badly the date that is likely for compliance?"

Stephen Mull, the State Department's lead coordinator for implementation of the deal, agreed that some administration officials had speculated that it would take until the spring. But he said the pacing of compliance is in Iran's hands.