Netanyahu, Republicans take aim at Obama Iran nuclear deal
The deal, tightly focused on Iran’s nuclear activities and Tehran’s desire to escape crippling economic sanctions, does not require Iran to stop its support of terrorism, a key flaw in the agreement, according to Mr. Netanyahu and others. The U.S. still officially designates Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism.
Still, supporters say the deal does make great strides in stopping Iran’s nuclear ambitions. In exchange for relief from some economic sanctions, Iran will limit its uranium enrichment, will reduce the number of operating centrifuges from about 19,000 to about 5,000 and will take other steps. The framework agreed to last week still must be finalized, with the deadline for a complete deal looming in June.
Officials concede that Iran’s support for terrorism still must be addressed. But they say it will be easier for the U.S. and its allies to confront that challenge if they’re assured Tehran can’t get a nuclear weapon.
“Would we prefer to be addressing those [concerns] with Iran having a nuclear bomb, or even the threat of having a nuclear bomb, versus a situation in which we have essentially complete confidence they are complying, or face the consequences of noncompliance?” Mr. Moniz, who taught nuclear physics at MIT, said during an appearance on “Face the Nation” on CBS.
Papal support
The U.S. and its partners did pick up one influential ally in the effort to sell the deal: Addressing the Easter throngs at the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis said he hoped the interim blueprint could lead to a final deal this summer.
“In hope we entrust to the merciful Lord the framework recently agreed to in Lausanne, that it may be a definitive step toward a more secure and fraternal world,” the pope told the throngs of followers gathered in the rain.
And in Tehran, the Iranian stock market hit its highest level in 18 months on rising hopes that the sanctions will be eased after a second straight day of trading gains after the deal was announced last Thursday.
While international negotiations have been at the forefront in recent weeks, the White House now must turn its attention to finding common ground with a Congress that seems increasingly hostile to the nuclear deal.
via NorthEast Calling http://ift.tt/1Jcy15C
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