Hillary Clinton: Iran will never get a nuclear weapon on my watch
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Version 0 of 1. Hillary Clinton has vowed that Tehran will never be able to acquire atomic weapons if she is elected to the White House in remarks that welcomed the Iran nuclear deal while taking a firm line. Related: Thousands take to Iran streets to celebrate the historic nuclear deal Clinton, the main contender for the Democratic presidential nomination, made her statement as critics in the US Congress, and sceptical US allies abroad including Israel, condemned the agreement as providing Iran with a glide path – albeit a somewhat delayed one – towards an eventual nuclear weapon. “As president I would use every tool in our arsenal to compel rigorous Iranian compliance,” Clinton said. “The message to Iran should be loud and clear: we will never allow you to acquire a nuclear weapon; not just during the term of this agreement – never.” The former US secretary of state said she was “still studying the details” of the plan but gave it her qualified backing. “Based on the briefings I received and a review of the documents, I support the agreement because it can help us prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon,” she said. “With vigorous enforcement, unyielding verification and swift consequences for any violations, this agreement can make the United States, Israel and our Arab partners safer.” Related: Iran nuclear deal moves to battleground of US Congress The deal, hammered out between six world powers and Iran, was finalised in Vienna after marathon talks. Clinton said inking the accord was just a first step and “effective enforcement” would be of paramount importance. “In light of the international community’s long history and experience with Iranian behaviour, the highest priority must be given to effective enforcement of the agreement,” she said. “Signing is just the beginning. As president I would use every tool in our arsenal to compel rigorous Iranian compliance.” |