Obama proclaims Iran framework as ‘historic’ agreement

President Barack Obama proclaimed a framework nuclear understanding with Iran as a “historic” agreement, and forewarned Congress Thursday against taking action that could overturn work toward a final deal. Obama stated that there is a lot at stake, and the issues at hand are bigger than politics. Obama voiced his opinion hours after negotiators in Switzerland put together a framework agreement outlining restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program, and setting the stage for work on a finalized deal over the next three months. The president called the binding arrangement a good deal, and one that meets the core objectives. He added that the verification mechanisms built into the framework would ensure that if Iran cheats, the whole world will know about it. Obama has subsidized significant political capital in the nuclear negotiation process. The discussions have strained the U.S. relationship with Israel, which sees Tehran as an existential hazard, and deepened tensions with Congress. One of Obama’s most difficult challenges will be persuading lawmakers to hold off on legislation that would ratify new sanctions on Iran. The White House also announced that Obama was inviting the leaders of six Gulf nations (Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait) to Washington this spring to converse on the Iran negotiations and other important matters.