Reaction to historic deal to curb Iran’s nuclear program

Reaction from around the world to the historic deal to curb Iran’s nuclear program:

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“This deal meets every single one of the bottom lines that we established when we achieved a framework this spring. Every pathway to a nuclear weapon is cut off, and the inspection and transparency regime necessary to verify that objective will be put in place.” –President Barack Obama.

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“Iran has never sought to manufacture a nuclear weapon and will never seek to manufacture a nuclear weapon. The whole world knows very well that manufacturing a nuclear bomb … is considered forbidden.”– Iranian President Hassan Rouhani

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“This is a bad mistake of historic proportion.” –Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

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“If fully implemented, the agreement could be a turning point in relations between Iran and the international community, paving the way to new avenues of cooperation between the EU and Iran. Geopolitically, it has the potential to be a game changer.” — European Union President Donald Tusk, in a statement.

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“We are confident that the world has breathed a sigh of relief today.” –Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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“Sanctioning Iran until it capitulates makes for a powerful talking point and a pretty good political speech but it is not achievable outside a world of fantasy” –Secretary of State John Kerry.

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“I am under no illusion that all of the problems relating to Iran will be resolved as a result of this agreement. Nor can it be ruled out that those opposed to a deal will now attempt to sabotage its implementation.” –German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

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“There is a real opportunity for Iran to benefit from this agreement in terms of its economy but this will only happen if Iran delivers on all the agreed actions required to fully address international concerns about its program.” –British Prime Minister David Cameron.

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“Given what we do know so far it appears that Republicans and Democrats were right to be deeply worried about the direction of these talks,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.

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“Supporting or opposing this agreement is not a decision to be made lightly, and I plan to carefully study the agreement before making an informed decision,” — Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., No. 3 Senate Democrat.

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“In our deliberations we need to ensure the negotiations resulted in a comprehensive, long-lasting, and verifiable outcome that also provides for snap-back of sanctions should Iran deviate from its commitments.” — Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations committee.

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“If it’s as bad a deal as I think it is, we’re going to do everything we can to stop it.” — Republican House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio

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“I believe that this deal undermines our national security.” Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., Republican presidential candidate.

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