Barack Obama Calls Iran Deal 'Our Best Bet'
Barack Obama defends a framework agreement on Iran's nuclear programme, as Israel says it gives Tehran "a free path to the bomb".
Monday 6 April 2015 08:06, UK
Barack Obama has defended a framework nuclear agreement with Iran as a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to prevent a bomb and bring longer-term stability to the Middle East.
The President insisted the US would stand by Israel if it were to come under attack, while acknowledging differences with the traditional US ally.
"This is our best bet by far to make sure Iran doesn't get a nuclear weapon," Mr Obama told Thomas Friedman, a columnist for The New York Times.
Last week the US and other world powers reached a to curb Iran's nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief.
The framework cleared the way for negotiators to hammer out technical details for a final agreement by a deadline set for 30 June.
The deal has provoked the anger of Israel, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying it "threatens the survival" of the Jewish state.
Mr Netanyahu launched a US television news blitz at the weekend to press American lawmakers .
Mr Obama said it was "personally difficult" for him to hear his administration accused of not looking out for Israel's interests.
"It's been a hard period," he said.
But he argued that successful negotiations presented the most effective way to keep Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, and insisted he would keep all options on the table if Tehran were to violate the terms.
He reassured Israel that "we've got their backs".
"I've been very clear that Iran will not get a nuclear weapon on my watch, and I think they should understand that we mean it," he said.
The White House plans an aggressive campaign to sell the deal to a hostile Congress, as well as to sceptical Arab allies who worry about Iran's destabilising activity in the region.
The President has invited leaders of six Gulf nations to Washington this spring and said he wanted to "formalise" US assistance.
Republicans have accused Mr Obama of giving in too much.
On Sunday, Senator Lindsey Graham, a possible 2016 Republican presidential contender, said the US should put off a final nuclear agreement with Iran until after the election and said Hillary Clinton could get a better deal.