Support for Iran n-deal to grow after implementation: Obama

Image
IANS Washington
Last Updated : Aug 11 2015 | 7:57 AM IST

US President Barack Obama, in an interview has said that the public will better appreciate the Iran nuclear deal after it takes effect.

"When this agreement is implemented and we've seen centrifuges coming out of facilities like Fordow and Natanz, and we've got inspectors on the ground and it becomes clear that Iran in fact is abiding by this agreement, then attitudes will change," Xinhua cited Obama as saying in an interview with National Public Radio (NPR) on Monday.

"People will recognise that, in fact, whatever parade of horribles was presented in opposition have not come true," Obama continued.

Obama was facing deep skepticism in Congress, which votes next month on whether to disapprove the nuclear deal world powers reached with Iran last month.

Many Republicans as well as some prominent Democrats, including Senator Chuck Schumer and House Representative Eliot Engel, have said they will vote against the deal, according to NPR.

In the interview, Obama also spoke strongly of his critics in Congress, accusing Republicans lawmakers of opposing the deal over politics.

"Unfortunately, a large portion of the Republican party, if not a near unanimous portion of Republican representatives, are going to be opposed to anything that I do," Obama said.

In a speech at the American University last week, Obama warned that blocking the accord by Congress would lead to war in the Middle East.

"Congressional rejection of this deal leaves any U.S. administration that is absolutely committed to preventing Iran from getting a nuclear weapon with one option, another war in the Middle East," Obama said. "The choice we face is ultimately between diplomacy or some form of war."

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Aug 11 2015 | 7:40 AM IST

Next Story