Obama on Iran Deal: 'I Welcome a Robust Debate' in Congress, But I'll Veto Any Attempt to Stop It

Monica Sanchez | July 14, 2015
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After years of ongoing negotiations and extended deadlines, the United States and Iran have reached a formal nuclear agreement.

In a statement early Tuesday morning, President Obama said that the “comprehensive, long-term deal” ensures that “Iran’s pathway to a nuclear weapon” has been cut off.

"This deal demonstrates that American diplomacy can bring about real and meaningful change, change that makes our country and the world safer and more secure," he said.

“Today, because America negotiated from a position of strength and principle, we have stopped the spread of nuclear weapons in [the Middle East]."

Obama continued, “Because of this deal, the international community will be able to verify that the Islamic Republic of Iran will not develop a nuclear weapon.”

"Moreover, we give nothing up by testing that this problem can be solved peacefully."

The President claims that the deal meets “every single on of the bottom lines” established by he and his negotiators. While the exact specifics are not yet public, the administration's deal with Iran can expect pushback in Congress. 

In his early morning address, Obama welcomed "a robust debate" and "scrutiny of the details of this agreement" in Congress.

"I welcome a robust debate in Congress on this issue, and scrutiny of the details of this agreement," he said. 

"But I will remind Congress that you don't make deals like this with your friends. We negotiated arms-control agreements with the Soviet Union when that nation was committed to our destruction. And those agreements ultimately made us safer." 

The President then threatened to veto any attempt by Congress to stop the deal.

"So I will veto any legislation that prevents the successful implementation of this deal," said Obama. 

Well that was quite the turnaround. 

Check out his full remarks below. 

In a heated response, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the deal a “historic mistake for the world,” a product of “far-reaching concessions” to a hostile nation that continues to chant "Death to America, Death to Israel" to this day. 

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