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| Obama defends Iran nuclear deal as battle moves to Congress – live updates | Obama defends Iran nuclear deal as battle moves to Congress – live updates |
| (6 months later) | |
| 8.10pm BST | |
| 20:10 | |
| That’s it from Barack Obama’s press conference on Iran. Here’s a summary of what the US president said: | That’s it from Barack Obama’s press conference on Iran. Here’s a summary of what the US president said: |
| That’s it for today, thanks for tuning in. | That’s it for today, thanks for tuning in. |
| Updated | |
| at 8.19pm BST | |
| 7.39pm BST | |
| 19:39 | |
| Khamenei calls nuclear deal an 'important step' | Khamenei calls nuclear deal an 'important step' |
| Before Obama spoke, Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei gave a clear sign that he supported the nuclear agreement. | Before Obama spoke, Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei gave a clear sign that he supported the nuclear agreement. |
| In a letter to the country’s president, Hassan Rouhani, Khamenei thanked Iranian nuclear negotiators ”for their continous and tireless efforts,” according to his official website. “The talks concluded and this is an important step. The text that has been produced should be carefully reviewed and its legal procedures followed [referring to the Iranian parliament review],” read the letter, published on Khamenei’s official website. | In a letter to the country’s president, Hassan Rouhani, Khamenei thanked Iranian nuclear negotiators ”for their continous and tireless efforts,” according to his official website. “The talks concluded and this is an important step. The text that has been produced should be carefully reviewed and its legal procedures followed [referring to the Iranian parliament review],” read the letter, published on Khamenei’s official website. |
| My colleague Saeed Kamali Dehghan has more: | My colleague Saeed Kamali Dehghan has more: |
| “If passed [by parliament], we should watch for any possible violations of the obligations by the other side and make sure that doesn’t happen. As you know well, some of the six governments on the other side are not to be trusted.” | “If passed [by parliament], we should watch for any possible violations of the obligations by the other side and make sure that doesn’t happen. As you know well, some of the six governments on the other side are not to be trusted.” |
| On Tuesday night, Khamenei also played host to senior government officials, where he thanked them for their work on the nuclear agreement. | On Tuesday night, Khamenei also played host to senior government officials, where he thanked them for their work on the nuclear agreement. |
| Updated | |
| at 7.46pm BST | |
| 7.34pm BST | |
| 19:34 | |
| Obama has now finished speaking. Before leaving, he promises that he will speak more about the Iran deal soon. | Obama has now finished speaking. Before leaving, he promises that he will speak more about the Iran deal soon. |
| Updated | |
| at 7.35pm BST | |
| 7.33pm BST | |
| 19:33 | |
| It is incumbent on the critics of the deal to describe how the world is going to be in a worse position 10-15 years from now, he says. | It is incumbent on the critics of the deal to describe how the world is going to be in a worse position 10-15 years from now, he says. |
| Updated | |
| at 7.35pm BST | |
| 7.32pm BST | |
| 19:32 | |
| Obama is delighting in taking on the critics of the deal. Perhaps an indication that he really believes in the deal. | Obama is delighting in taking on the critics of the deal. Perhaps an indication that he really believes in the deal. |
| 7.31pm BST | |
| 19:31 | |
| Obama addresses what happens if the deal holds, at the end of the set 10 years. | Obama addresses what happens if the deal holds, at the end of the set 10 years. |
| Some of the restrictions will still be in place, he says. The inspections will not go away. There’s no scenario in which the US president is not in a stronger position 15 years from now, if Iran wanted to develop a nuclear weapon down the line, he says. | Some of the restrictions will still be in place, he says. The inspections will not go away. There’s no scenario in which the US president is not in a stronger position 15 years from now, if Iran wanted to develop a nuclear weapon down the line, he says. |
| Even if what the critics say are true, Obama says, that at the end of 10-15 years, Iran is now in a position to develop a nuclear weapon, that they are at a breakout point, they won’t be at a more dangerous breakout point than they are now. It won’t be shorter than the one that exists today, he says. | Even if what the critics say are true, Obama says, that at the end of 10-15 years, Iran is now in a position to develop a nuclear weapon, that they are at a breakout point, they won’t be at a more dangerous breakout point than they are now. It won’t be shorter than the one that exists today, he says. |
| Updated | |
| at 7.33pm BST | |
| 7.27pm BST | |
| 19:27 | |
| Question: on Iran receiving its cash flow after sanctions are lifted. | Question: on Iran receiving its cash flow after sanctions are lifted. |
| There is a pace at which Iran can support Hezbollah. They can send more resources to Hezbollah. But the international community can put in more resources to blocking this. | There is a pace at which Iran can support Hezbollah. They can send more resources to Hezbollah. But the international community can put in more resources to blocking this. |
| Is it more important to block Iran from funding its regional proxies than blocking Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, Obama asks? The answer is no. | Is it more important to block Iran from funding its regional proxies than blocking Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, Obama asks? The answer is no. |
| Obama deconstructs idea that if Congress votes down this deal, then sanctions would be kept in place. | Obama deconstructs idea that if Congress votes down this deal, then sanctions would be kept in place. |
| “We are not writing Iran a check,” he says. This is Iran’s money that we have been blocking, which required the cooperation of other countries who have lost billions of dollars because they have not been able to buy oil from Iran. | “We are not writing Iran a check,” he says. This is Iran’s money that we have been blocking, which required the cooperation of other countries who have lost billions of dollars because they have not been able to buy oil from Iran. |
| “If they saw us – and more specifically the US Congress – effectively vetoing the judgment of 99% of the world community” that this is the best way to deal with Iran’s nuclear deal, the sanctions system unravels, he says. | “If they saw us – and more specifically the US Congress – effectively vetoing the judgment of 99% of the world community” that this is the best way to deal with Iran’s nuclear deal, the sanctions system unravels, he says. |
| So we could still maintain some unilateral sanctions. But these would be less effective, he says. | So we could still maintain some unilateral sanctions. But these would be less effective, he says. |
| So maybe they get $60-70bn instead of $100bn. | So maybe they get $60-70bn instead of $100bn. |
| Updated | |
| at 7.31pm BST | |
| 7.22pm BST | |
| 19:22 | |
| Back to Iran now... | Back to Iran now... |
| 7.22pm BST | |
| 19:22 | |
| Obama comments on Bill Cosby | Obama comments on Bill Cosby |
| Answer on Bill Cosby: There’s no precedent for revoking a presidential medal, he says. The president says it is his policy not to comment on ongoing cases. | Answer on Bill Cosby: There’s no precedent for revoking a presidential medal, he says. The president says it is his policy not to comment on ongoing cases. |
| But Obama adds, boldly: | But Obama adds, boldly: |
| If you give a woman – or a man, for that matter, without his or her knowledge – a drug, and then have sex with that person without consent, that’s rape. | If you give a woman – or a man, for that matter, without his or her knowledge – a drug, and then have sex with that person without consent, that’s rape. |
| Any civilized country should have no tolerance for rape. | Any civilized country should have no tolerance for rape. |
| Updated | |
| at 7.43pm BST | |
| 7.20pm BST | |
| 19:20 | |
| Answer on traveling to Kenya: Obviously it’s something I’m looking forward to, Potus says. | Answer on traveling to Kenya: Obviously it’s something I’m looking forward to, Potus says. |
| “Visiting Kenya as a private citizen is probably more meaningful to me than visiting as president,” he says. Because he can’t leave his hotel room or conference room... | “Visiting Kenya as a private citizen is probably more meaningful to me than visiting as president,” he says. Because he can’t leave his hotel room or conference room... |
| But it’s symbolically important for US to show it is a partner for Kenya. | But it’s symbolically important for US to show it is a partner for Kenya. |
| 7.19pm BST | |
| 19:19 | |
| Answer on criminal justice reform and race: Obama jokes that the reporter stuffed a lot into her question... | Answer on criminal justice reform and race: Obama jokes that the reporter stuffed a lot into her question... |
| Obama refers to his Tuesday speech on criminal justice: | Obama refers to his Tuesday speech on criminal justice: |
| I don’t think the criminal justice system is the sole source of racial tension in this country. But it is a part of the broader set of challenges that we face in creating a more perfect union. | I don’t think the criminal justice system is the sole source of racial tension in this country. But it is a part of the broader set of challenges that we face in creating a more perfect union. |
| Obama says there has been a huge spike in incarcerations that is “also driven from non-violent drug offenses, where the sentencing is completely out of proportion with the crime. And that costs taxpayers enormous amounts of money,” and debilitates communities. It “compounds problems” the communities already have, he says. | Obama says there has been a huge spike in incarcerations that is “also driven from non-violent drug offenses, where the sentencing is completely out of proportion with the crime. And that costs taxpayers enormous amounts of money,” and debilitates communities. It “compounds problems” the communities already have, he says. |
| “I tend not to have a lot of sympathy for violent crime,” he says, adding that reform is needed for drug-related offenses. | “I tend not to have a lot of sympathy for violent crime,” he says, adding that reform is needed for drug-related offenses. |
| The goal, he says, is to prevent people from going into jail in the first place. “I met these four ex-offenders yesterday” – and it was remarkable how they turned their lives around. “And in each instance, somebody intervened at some point in their lives and said you know what, I think you can live a different way and I’m going to help you.” | The goal, he says, is to prevent people from going into jail in the first place. “I met these four ex-offenders yesterday” – and it was remarkable how they turned their lives around. “And in each instance, somebody intervened at some point in their lives and said you know what, I think you can live a different way and I’m going to help you.” |
| That one person, an art or GED teacher, he says. He gives a shoutout to Five Guys, the burger chain, for giving a job to an ex-felon who became a manager there: “Point is, somebody gave him a chance.” | That one person, an art or GED teacher, he says. He gives a shoutout to Five Guys, the burger chain, for giving a job to an ex-felon who became a manager there: “Point is, somebody gave him a chance.” |
| “This is an area where I feel modestly optimistic.” But the US has to focus on keeping crime rates down. | “This is an area where I feel modestly optimistic.” But the US has to focus on keeping crime rates down. |
| Read more from my colleague Jamiles Lartey, who was in Philadelphia for the president’s address to the NAACP on Tuesday: | Read more from my colleague Jamiles Lartey, who was in Philadelphia for the president’s address to the NAACP on Tuesday: |
| Related: Advocates rejoice over Obama's call to fix 'broken’ criminal justice system | Related: Advocates rejoice over Obama's call to fix 'broken’ criminal justice system |
| Updated | |
| at 7.24pm BST | |
| 7.14pm BST | |
| 19:14 | |
| Question: Changes the topic to race and criminal justice reform... And also, asks Obama about what it is like for Obama to travel to his father’s homeland of Kenya? And lastly, Would you revoke the medal of freedom from Bill Cosby? | Question: Changes the topic to race and criminal justice reform... And also, asks Obama about what it is like for Obama to travel to his father’s homeland of Kenya? And lastly, Would you revoke the medal of freedom from Bill Cosby? |
| 7.11pm BST | |
| 19:11 | |
| Obama calls out a reporter for a spinning question on the four Americans held in Syria, to portray Obama as “content” on leaving the four Americans held there. He says it is “nonsense” to say he is content. | Obama calls out a reporter for a spinning question on the four Americans held in Syria, to portray Obama as “content” on leaving the four Americans held there. He says it is “nonsense” to say he is content. |
| The president says the US is working diligently to get them out. Obama asks the reporter to think about the logic of not tying the four Americans’ fates to the deal. | The president says the US is working diligently to get them out. Obama asks the reporter to think about the logic of not tying the four Americans’ fates to the deal. |
| “We are working every single day to try and get them out.” | “We are working every single day to try and get them out.” |
| “We are not taking pressure off Iran” on weapons and missiles, Obama says. | “We are not taking pressure off Iran” on weapons and missiles, Obama says. |
| Updated | |
| at 7.14pm BST | |
| 7.08pm BST | |
| 19:08 | |
| Question on four Americans held in Iran: Why are you content to leave those four Americans unaccounted for? | Question on four Americans held in Iran: Why are you content to leave those four Americans unaccounted for? |
| 7.08pm BST | |
| 19:08 | |
| Answer: Important for Iran to be in on the conversation to resolve the Syrian crisis, he says. Obama does not foresee that Iran will be involved at the table in discussions on counter-Isis strategy. | Answer: Important for Iran to be in on the conversation to resolve the Syrian crisis, he says. Obama does not foresee that Iran will be involved at the table in discussions on counter-Isis strategy. |
| “But clearly, Iran has influence in Iraq” – some of it from natural allegiance, some not. The US is working with military teams and diplomats to see where it can appropriately deconflict and where can the US can work with Iraqi prime minister Abadi on an overall strategy for Iraq to regain its sovereignty. And tell Abadi where Iran is behaving badly. | “But clearly, Iran has influence in Iraq” – some of it from natural allegiance, some not. The US is working with military teams and diplomats to see where it can appropriately deconflict and where can the US can work with Iraqi prime minister Abadi on an overall strategy for Iraq to regain its sovereignty. And tell Abadi where Iran is behaving badly. |
| Updated | |
| at 7.11pm BST | |
| 7.04pm BST | |
| 19:04 | |
| Question on Iran’s role in Syria: Do you agree that US needs to work with Iran in explicit cooperation? | Question on Iran’s role in Syria: Do you agree that US needs to work with Iran in explicit cooperation? |
| 7.04pm BST | |
| 19:04 | |
| Obama says the key goals for the next president: | Obama says the key goals for the next president: |
| It’s not the job of the president of the United States to solve every problem in the Middle East. | It’s not the job of the president of the United States to solve every problem in the Middle East. |
| They need to resolve their own problems, too, hes says. | They need to resolve their own problems, too, hes says. |
| “We have to address, the youth in the region, with jobs and opportunity and a better vision for the future. ... Again, we can’t do that entirely by ourselves.” But the US can partner with NGOs and partners in the region, he says. | “We have to address, the youth in the region, with jobs and opportunity and a better vision for the future. ... Again, we can’t do that entirely by ourselves.” But the US can partner with NGOs and partners in the region, he says. |
| Updated | |
| at 7.10pm BST | |
| 7.00pm BST | |
| 19:00 | |
| Answer: It’s in the US interest to prevent Iran from sending weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon and to the Houthis in Yemen to accelerate the civil war there, Obama says. | Answer: It’s in the US interest to prevent Iran from sending weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon and to the Houthis in Yemen to accelerate the civil war there, Obama says. |
| There are a number of mechanisms to prevent this, he notes: Iran was sanctioned for what happened at Fordow and unwillingness to comply with previous UNSC resolutions. As part of sanctions, the issue of arms and ballistic missiles were included. | There are a number of mechanisms to prevent this, he notes: Iran was sanctioned for what happened at Fordow and unwillingness to comply with previous UNSC resolutions. As part of sanctions, the issue of arms and ballistic missiles were included. |
| “Under the terms of the original UNSC resolution was that once an agreement was arrived at, you could argue that those prohibitions should immediately go away. But what I said was, that given that Iran has breached trust, let’s press for a longer extension of the arms embargo and ballistic missile prohibition.” | “Under the terms of the original UNSC resolution was that once an agreement was arrived at, you could argue that those prohibitions should immediately go away. But what I said was, that given that Iran has breached trust, let’s press for a longer extension of the arms embargo and ballistic missile prohibition.” |
| The P5+1 got those, he says. | The P5+1 got those, he says. |
| The US extended for fives years years is because there are other UNSC resolutions that prevent Iran from providing weapons to Hezbollah and give us authority to intervene. | The US extended for fives years years is because there are other UNSC resolutions that prevent Iran from providing weapons to Hezbollah and give us authority to intervene. |
| There are of different legal authorities to prevent arm shipments from Iran from happening under the nuclear deal, which may lapse in five or eight years, but there are other mechanisms in place internationally to prevent these, Obama says. | There are of different legal authorities to prevent arm shipments from Iran from happening under the nuclear deal, which may lapse in five or eight years, but there are other mechanisms in place internationally to prevent these, Obama says. |
| Obama says previous arms shipments happened, which was not because they were legal. But there were insufficient mechanisms in place to prevent them. | Obama says previous arms shipments happened, which was not because they were legal. But there were insufficient mechanisms in place to prevent them. |
| The US will still possess legal authorities after five- to eight-year timeline lapses, the president reminds the press. | The US will still possess legal authorities after five- to eight-year timeline lapses, the president reminds the press. |
| Updated | |
| at 7.09pm BST | |
| 6.55pm BST | |
| 18:55 | |
| Question regarding arms on the ballistic missiles embargo: Why lift those, even with the five and eight year timeline? It’s a sticking point on the Hill. What kind of Middle East do you want to leave when you leave the White House? | Question regarding arms on the ballistic missiles embargo: Why lift those, even with the five and eight year timeline? It’s a sticking point on the Hill. What kind of Middle East do you want to leave when you leave the White House? |
| Updated | |
| at 6.59pm BST | |
| 6.54pm BST | |
| 18:54 | |
| Really the only argument that can be made against the inspections and monitoring regime, Obama says, is that Iran is so intent that “no inspections regime is sufficient” because they are not trustworthy. | Really the only argument that can be made against the inspections and monitoring regime, Obama says, is that Iran is so intent that “no inspections regime is sufficient” because they are not trustworthy. |
| “Then what you’re really saying is you need military force” to ensure they don’t cheat. | “Then what you’re really saying is you need military force” to ensure they don’t cheat. |
| Updated | |
| at 6.59pm BST | |
| 6.53pm BST | |
| 18:53 | |
| 'This is the most vigorous inspection regime that’s ever been negotiated' | 'This is the most vigorous inspection regime that’s ever been negotiated' |
| The president cites critics who have said: what if they try and develop a covert program? | The president cites critics who have said: what if they try and develop a covert program? |
| Obama posits: “Let’s say Iran is so determined that it wants to develop a covert program ... then the IAEA will have the ability to say, ‘We see something suspicious’ – and can tell Iran that they want to inspect it. If Iran objects, we can override that. If they continue to object, then we can snap back sanctions.” | Obama posits: “Let’s say Iran is so determined that it wants to develop a covert program ... then the IAEA will have the ability to say, ‘We see something suspicious’ – and can tell Iran that they want to inspect it. If Iran objects, we can override that. If they continue to object, then we can snap back sanctions.” |
| If the US thinks there is “funny business” going on, he says, it will have evidence to present to the international community. | If the US thinks there is “funny business” going on, he says, it will have evidence to present to the international community. |
| “If there is nuclear material on that site, high school physics will remind us: that leaves a trace. So we’ll know there was a violation of the agreement.” | “If there is nuclear material on that site, high school physics will remind us: that leaves a trace. So we’ll know there was a violation of the agreement.” |
| “This is the most vigorous inspections and monitoring regime that’s ever been negotiated,” he says. | “This is the most vigorous inspections and monitoring regime that’s ever been negotiated,” he says. |
| Pundits jumped on that one: | Pundits jumped on that one: |
| I didn't know there was going to be high school physics on this test. | I didn't know there was going to be high school physics on this test. |
| Updated | |
| at 6.58pm BST | |
| 6.49pm BST | |
| 18:49 | |
| Congress and critics need to describe why the experts – include nuclear physicist Ernest Moniz – and the rest of the world is wrong, Obama says ... and then present an alternative. | Congress and critics need to describe why the experts – include nuclear physicist Ernest Moniz – and the rest of the world is wrong, Obama says ... and then present an alternative. |
| If war is the option, then the critics need to say so, the presidents says. “And then we can debate it.” | If war is the option, then the critics need to say so, the presidents says. “And then we can debate it.” |
| Updated | |
| at 6.51pm BST | |
| 6.48pm BST | |
| 18:48 | |
| “We don’t have the diplomatic leverage to eliminate every vestige of a peaceful nuclear program in Iran.” But we do have the leverage to oppose Iran’s developing a weapon. | “We don’t have the diplomatic leverage to eliminate every vestige of a peaceful nuclear program in Iran.” But we do have the leverage to oppose Iran’s developing a weapon. |
| 6.47pm BST | |
| 18:47 | |
| “Israel has legitimate concerns about its security. You have a large country, with a significant militarily that has proclaimed that Isarel shouldn’t exist, that has denied the Holocaust, that has financed Hezbollah and as a result has missiles pointed towards Tel Aviv.” | “Israel has legitimate concerns about its security. You have a large country, with a significant militarily that has proclaimed that Isarel shouldn’t exist, that has denied the Holocaust, that has financed Hezbollah and as a result has missiles pointed towards Tel Aviv.” |
| So there are good reasons for Israeli nervousness, Obama says. | So there are good reasons for Israeli nervousness, Obama says. |
| But all those threats are compounded if Iran gets a nuclear weapon, he adds. And for all the objections of Netanyahu and Republican leadership, “none of them has presented to me or the American people a better alternative”. | But all those threats are compounded if Iran gets a nuclear weapon, he adds. And for all the objections of Netanyahu and Republican leadership, “none of them has presented to me or the American people a better alternative”. |
| Obama says he has been hearing a lot of talking points about “this being a bad deal, a historically bad deal”. But he says he hasn’t heard of a preferred alternative. He insists that 99% of world community and nuclear experts say “this will prevent Iran from getting a nuclear bomb”. | Obama says he has been hearing a lot of talking points about “this being a bad deal, a historically bad deal”. But he says he hasn’t heard of a preferred alternative. He insists that 99% of world community and nuclear experts say “this will prevent Iran from getting a nuclear bomb”. |
| “There really are only two alternatives here: either Iran getting a nuclear weapon is resolved diplomatically through negotiation. Or its resolved through force, through war. Those are the options.” | “There really are only two alternatives here: either Iran getting a nuclear weapon is resolved diplomatically through negotiation. Or its resolved through force, through war. Those are the options.” |
| Updated | |
| at 6.52pm BST | |
| 6.45pm BST | |
| 18:45 | |
| Question: does it give you pause to see deal praised as “great victory” by Bashar al-Assad, when Netanyahu calls it a “historic mistake”? | Question: does it give you pause to see deal praised as “great victory” by Bashar al-Assad, when Netanyahu calls it a “historic mistake”? |
| Answer: It does not give him pause, Obama says, that Assad or others in Tehran may be trying to spin the deal in a way that they think is favorable to what their constituencies want to hear. “That’s what politicians do,” he says. | Answer: It does not give him pause, Obama says, that Assad or others in Tehran may be trying to spin the deal in a way that they think is favorable to what their constituencies want to hear. “That’s what politicians do,” he says. |
| Read the document, Obama insists. Nobody has disputed that as a consequence of the agreement, and Iran has to drastically reduce its stockpiles of uranium, cut off from plutonium. There is now an unprecedented inspections regime, he says, and there will be snapback of sanctions if the Iraniana cheat. | Read the document, Obama insists. Nobody has disputed that as a consequence of the agreement, and Iran has to drastically reduce its stockpiles of uranium, cut off from plutonium. There is now an unprecedented inspections regime, he says, and there will be snapback of sanctions if the Iraniana cheat. |
| “With respect to Congress, my hope is that everyone in Congress evalutes this agreement based on the facts. Not on politics, not on posturing not on the fact that this is a deal I bring to Congress as opposed to a Republican president.” If Congress does that, then based on the facts, “the majority of Congress should approve of this deal. But, we live in Washington and politics do intrude”. | “With respect to Congress, my hope is that everyone in Congress evalutes this agreement based on the facts. Not on politics, not on posturing not on the fact that this is a deal I bring to Congress as opposed to a Republican president.” If Congress does that, then based on the facts, “the majority of Congress should approve of this deal. But, we live in Washington and politics do intrude”. |
| Obama says he is not betting that Republicans will approve the deal. | Obama says he is not betting that Republicans will approve the deal. |
| Updated | |
| at 6.49pm BST | |
| 6.40pm BST | |
| 18:40 | |
| In fact, having resolved the nuclear issue, Obama says US will be in a better position to work with Israel, Gulf countries and Europeans to bring Iran to resolve other issues in the region, including Yemen, Syria, Hezbollah. | In fact, having resolved the nuclear issue, Obama says US will be in a better position to work with Israel, Gulf countries and Europeans to bring Iran to resolve other issues in the region, including Yemen, Syria, Hezbollah. |
| 6.39pm BST | |
| 18:39 | |
| Obama says the US will still have a problem with Iran, namely its sponsorship of terrorism. | Obama says the US will still have a problem with Iran, namely its sponsorship of terrorism. |
| Obama says his hope with this deal, is the US will be able to have conversations with Iran to encourage it to be less hostile in the region. “To operate the way, we expect nations in the international community to behave. But we are not counting on it.” | Obama says his hope with this deal, is the US will be able to have conversations with Iran to encourage it to be less hostile in the region. “To operate the way, we expect nations in the international community to behave. But we are not counting on it.” |
| “This deal is not contingent on Iran changing its behavior.” He says, he won’t expect Iran to suddenly start behaving like a liberal democracy. | “This deal is not contingent on Iran changing its behavior.” He says, he won’t expect Iran to suddenly start behaving like a liberal democracy. |
| Unlike with Cuba, we “are not normalizing diplomatic relationship here.” | Unlike with Cuba, we “are not normalizing diplomatic relationship here.” |
| 6.37pm BST | |
| 18:37 | |
| Obama reminds the press of what is at stake, because he’s “heard already some of the objections to the deal”. | Obama reminds the press of what is at stake, because he’s “heard already some of the objections to the deal”. |
| The starting premise of the strategy towards Iran, he outlines: “it would be a grave threat to the US and allies if Iran obtained a nuclear weapon”. | The starting premise of the strategy towards Iran, he outlines: “it would be a grave threat to the US and allies if Iran obtained a nuclear weapon”. |
| Sanctions came about because consensus was Iran having a nuclear weapon would be a global threat, Obama says. | Sanctions came about because consensus was Iran having a nuclear weapon would be a global threat, Obama says. |
| And it’s not simply his priority, Obama says. Throughout all debates over the past six years, this has been a “democratic, republican and it has been Netanyahu’s priority”, to make sure Iran does not get a nuclear weapon. | And it’s not simply his priority, Obama says. Throughout all debates over the past six years, this has been a “democratic, republican and it has been Netanyahu’s priority”, to make sure Iran does not get a nuclear weapon. |
| But Obama says the US has always recognized that even if Iran doesn’t get a nuclear weapon, Iran still poses threats to our interests and allies around the world. | But Obama says the US has always recognized that even if Iran doesn’t get a nuclear weapon, Iran still poses threats to our interests and allies around the world. |
| When a deal is implemented, he says, the US knows “we will have dismantled the immediate concerns around Iran’s nuclear programs”: the deal will have brought stockpiles down by 96%, less centrifuges, with unprecedented inspections regime installed. | When a deal is implemented, he says, the US knows “we will have dismantled the immediate concerns around Iran’s nuclear programs”: the deal will have brought stockpiles down by 96%, less centrifuges, with unprecedented inspections regime installed. |
| Iran will now be subject to additional protocol, he says – a more vigorous inspection and monitoring regime, that lasts in perpetuity. | Iran will now be subject to additional protocol, he says – a more vigorous inspection and monitoring regime, that lasts in perpetuity. |
| “I can say – and nuclear experts can say – with confidence, tht Iran will not be in a position to develop a nuclear bomb. We will have met our priority.” | “I can say – and nuclear experts can say – with confidence, tht Iran will not be in a position to develop a nuclear bomb. We will have met our priority.” |
| Updated | |
| at 6.43pm BST | |
| 6.32pm BST | |
| 18:32 | |
| Obama is now taking questions | Obama is now taking questions |
| 6.32pm BST | |
| 18:32 | |
| 'Future generations would judge us harshly if we let this moment slip away' | 'Future generations would judge us harshly if we let this moment slip away' |
| Obama says the US risks even more war in the Middle East without a deal, and that there would be a nuclear arms race in the “most volatile” region in the world. | Obama says the US risks even more war in the Middle East without a deal, and that there would be a nuclear arms race in the “most volatile” region in the world. |
| Profound differences remain with Iran, the president says. An arms embargo will therefore remain for five years and restrictions on ballistic missiles for eight years. | Profound differences remain with Iran, the president says. An arms embargo will therefore remain for five years and restrictions on ballistic missiles for eight years. |
| The US will maintain its own sanctions on Iran, he says: | The US will maintain its own sanctions on Iran, he says: |
| This nuclear deal meets the national security interests of the US and its allies. | This nuclear deal meets the national security interests of the US and its allies. |
| The alternative, Obama says – of no deal, no inspections – presents “the risk of regional nuclear arms race would endanger our security”. | The alternative, Obama says – of no deal, no inspections – presents “the risk of regional nuclear arms race would endanger our security”. |
| “Future generations would judge us harshly if we let this moment slip away,” he says. | “Future generations would judge us harshly if we let this moment slip away,” he says. |
| Obama cites a historic chance to produce a safer and more secure world – “an opportunity that may not come again in our lifetime”. | Obama cites a historic chance to produce a safer and more secure world – “an opportunity that may not come again in our lifetime”. |
| Updated | |
| at 6.33pm BST | |
| 6.29pm BST | |
| 18:29 | |
| Obama says the historic deal represents a “powerful display of leadership and diplomacy”. He says the US has led from a position of strength. | Obama says the historic deal represents a “powerful display of leadership and diplomacy”. He says the US has led from a position of strength. |
| His national security team has already begun giving briefings to Congress, he says. | His national security team has already begun giving briefings to Congress, he says. |
| “The details of this deal matter very much,” he says. At the same time, I hope we don’t loe sight of the larger picture. | “The details of this deal matter very much,” he says. At the same time, I hope we don’t loe sight of the larger picture. |
| Remember the alternative, Obama reiterates: “With this deal, we cut off every single one of Iran’s pathways to a nuclear program ... and Iran could move closer to a nuclear bomb.” | Remember the alternative, Obama reiterates: “With this deal, we cut off every single one of Iran’s pathways to a nuclear program ... and Iran could move closer to a nuclear bomb.” |
| If Iran violates its commitments, there will be real consequences: sanctions will “snap back into place”, Obama says. | If Iran violates its commitments, there will be real consequences: sanctions will “snap back into place”, Obama says. |
| Updated | |
| at 6.34pm BST | |
| 6.26pm BST | |
| 18:26 | |
| Obama has begun talking to the press | Obama has begun talking to the press |
| 6.23pm BST | |
| 18:23 | |
| Obama will begin speaking in just under two minutes | Obama will begin speaking in just under two minutes |
| 6.18pm BST | |
| 18:18 | |
| As almost ever, the president is running behind schedule ... | As almost ever, the president is running behind schedule ... |
| 6.14pm BST | |
| 18:14 | |
| Meanwhile, my colleague Ian Black (@ian_black) has written about Tehran’s hope it will be allowed to take its place on the world stage, despite its distrust of America and of Israel, which remains a huge obstacle: | Meanwhile, my colleague Ian Black (@ian_black) has written about Tehran’s hope it will be allowed to take its place on the world stage, despite its distrust of America and of Israel, which remains a huge obstacle: |
| Now that the nuclear marathon is over, encouraging hopes for a better relationship with its old American enemy, Iran is projecting itself as an island of stability in a sea of trouble and demanding to be treated as an equal. The supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, continues to excoriate “global arrogance”, as he always has, but has hinted clearly at cooperation with the US once sanctions end, and dignity – a recurrent word – has been restored. | Now that the nuclear marathon is over, encouraging hopes for a better relationship with its old American enemy, Iran is projecting itself as an island of stability in a sea of trouble and demanding to be treated as an equal. The supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, continues to excoriate “global arrogance”, as he always has, but has hinted clearly at cooperation with the US once sanctions end, and dignity – a recurrent word – has been restored. |
| “We believe we have a constructive and positive role to play in the region, with or without an agreement,” said Amir-Hossein Abdollahian, the deputy foreign minister for the Middle East, a few days before the Vienna talks ended. “We understand that a good nuclear deal can have a good influence.” Iran’s support for Syria’s fight against “terrorism” was consistent with its backing for Hezbollah in Lebanon and opposition to Saudi attacks on Yemen, he said. “A positive nuclear outcome will have a positive outcome for relations with the west.” The only red line was Israel – “an illegitimate regime”. | “We believe we have a constructive and positive role to play in the region, with or without an agreement,” said Amir-Hossein Abdollahian, the deputy foreign minister for the Middle East, a few days before the Vienna talks ended. “We understand that a good nuclear deal can have a good influence.” Iran’s support for Syria’s fight against “terrorism” was consistent with its backing for Hezbollah in Lebanon and opposition to Saudi attacks on Yemen, he said. “A positive nuclear outcome will have a positive outcome for relations with the west.” The only red line was Israel – “an illegitimate regime”. |
| Read Ian’s full piece here. | Read Ian’s full piece here. |
| Related: 'Rising' Iran asserts right to play constructive Middle East role | Related: 'Rising' Iran asserts right to play constructive Middle East role |
| 6.08pm BST | |
| 18:08 | |
| Peter Beaumont | Peter Beaumont |
| Israel’s prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, appears determined to push allies in the US Congress to block the nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers, despite warnings that his strategy would fail and further damage relations with the Obama administration. | Israel’s prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, appears determined to push allies in the US Congress to block the nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers, despite warnings that his strategy would fail and further damage relations with the Obama administration. |
| With few Israeli analysts demonstrating any confidence that Israel could muster the two-thirds support in Congress needed to overcome a presidential veto, a chorus of voices warned against persisting with a strategy they fear has left Israelincreasingly marginalised. | With few Israeli analysts demonstrating any confidence that Israel could muster the two-thirds support in Congress needed to overcome a presidential veto, a chorus of voices warned against persisting with a strategy they fear has left Israelincreasingly marginalised. |
| Netanyahu’s approach has already been described as “coarse” by the German foreign minister, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and “way over the top” by John Kerry, the US secretary of state. Barack Obama is bullishly confident that opponents in Congress will not be able to overturn the deal. | Netanyahu’s approach has already been described as “coarse” by the German foreign minister, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and “way over the top” by John Kerry, the US secretary of state. Barack Obama is bullishly confident that opponents in Congress will not be able to overturn the deal. |
| Read Peter’s full analysis here. | Read Peter’s full analysis here. |
| Related: Netanyahu slated in Israel for foreign policy failure over Iran nuclear accord | Related: Netanyahu slated in Israel for foreign policy failure over Iran nuclear accord |
| 6.04pm BST | |
| 18:04 | |
| The signed deal: | The signed deal: |
| 5.56pm BST | |
| 17:56 | |
| In an interview with the New York Times’ Thomas Friedman on Tuesday, Obama made his case on the deal, defending his administration against critics who claim the deal is too narrow in scope: | In an interview with the New York Times’ Thomas Friedman on Tuesday, Obama made his case on the deal, defending his administration against critics who claim the deal is too narrow in scope: |
| “We’re not measuring this deal by whether we are solving every problem that can be traced back to Iran,” Obama told the columnist. “We are measuring this deal — and that was the original premise of this conversation, including by Prime Minister Netanyahu — Iran could not get a nuclear weapon. | “We’re not measuring this deal by whether we are solving every problem that can be traced back to Iran,” Obama told the columnist. “We are measuring this deal — and that was the original premise of this conversation, including by Prime Minister Netanyahu — Iran could not get a nuclear weapon. |
| “We are not measuring this deal by whether it is changing the regime inside of Iran,” the president told Friedman. “We’re not measuring this deal by whether we are solving every problem that can be traced back to Iran, whether we are eliminating all their nefarious activities around the globe. We are measuring this deal — and that was the original premise of this conversation, including by Prime Minister Netanyahu — Iran could not get a nuclear weapon. That was always the discussion. | “We are not measuring this deal by whether it is changing the regime inside of Iran,” the president told Friedman. “We’re not measuring this deal by whether we are solving every problem that can be traced back to Iran, whether we are eliminating all their nefarious activities around the globe. We are measuring this deal — and that was the original premise of this conversation, including by Prime Minister Netanyahu — Iran could not get a nuclear weapon. That was always the discussion. |
| “And what I’m going to be able to say, and I think we will be able to prove, is that this by a wide margin is the most definitive path by which Iran will not get a nuclear weapon, and we will be able to achieve that with the full cooperation of the world community and without having to engage in another war in the Middle East.” | “And what I’m going to be able to say, and I think we will be able to prove, is that this by a wide margin is the most definitive path by which Iran will not get a nuclear weapon, and we will be able to achieve that with the full cooperation of the world community and without having to engage in another war in the Middle East.” |
| 5.45pm BST | |
| 17:45 | |
| On Tuesday, Iran and six world powers reached a historic agreement that will lift sanctions on Iran but place strict limits on its nuclear program for more than a decade. | On Tuesday, Iran and six world powers reached a historic agreement that will lift sanctions on Iran but place strict limits on its nuclear program for more than a decade. |
| Key points of the 100-plus page deal can be found here. | Key points of the 100-plus page deal can be found here. |
| Now that the deal has been announced, the battle moves to Washington as the Obama administration kicks off a three-month campaign to stop the hard-won deal being derailed by congressional Republicans. | Now that the deal has been announced, the battle moves to Washington as the Obama administration kicks off a three-month campaign to stop the hard-won deal being derailed by congressional Republicans. |
| The White House has a few days to present the agreement to Congress, which then has 60 days to review it. Another 22 days is set aside for an initial vote, in which the Republican majority is likely to reject the deal, and then a second vote, over which there is a presidential veto. | The White House has a few days to present the agreement to Congress, which then has 60 days to review it. Another 22 days is set aside for an initial vote, in which the Republican majority is likely to reject the deal, and then a second vote, over which there is a presidential veto. |
| The president has promised to use his veto against “any legislation that prevents the successful implementation” of the deal. Congressional critics of the deal would therefore need to pass legislation with more than a two-thirds majority in both chambers – the threshold required to overcome a presidential veto. | The president has promised to use his veto against “any legislation that prevents the successful implementation” of the deal. Congressional critics of the deal would therefore need to pass legislation with more than a two-thirds majority in both chambers – the threshold required to overcome a presidential veto. |
| In the early hours of Tuesday morning, President Obama addressed the United States on the nuclear deal, saying “every path to a nuclear weapon will be cut off” for Iran under the historic agreement. Speaking from the White House, he said the deal ensures Iran will not develop a nuclear weapon, adding that the deal is not built on trust, but instead on verification, as inspectors will ensure the country’s compliance. | In the early hours of Tuesday morning, President Obama addressed the United States on the nuclear deal, saying “every path to a nuclear weapon will be cut off” for Iran under the historic agreement. Speaking from the White House, he said the deal ensures Iran will not develop a nuclear weapon, adding that the deal is not built on trust, but instead on verification, as inspectors will ensure the country’s compliance. |
| The president is expected to speak at 1pm ET to the White House press corps, and will be taking questions. | The president is expected to speak at 1pm ET to the White House press corps, and will be taking questions. |