Obama Thanks Putin for Russia’s Role in Iran Nuclear Deal

The PM told Iranian president Hassan Rouhani that agreement to allow in United Nations inspectors in return for the lifting of some sanctions could pave the way to closer co-operation on issues like countering the threat from the Islamic State (IS) terror group and reopening the UK’s embassy in Tehran. A list of items to be offered the Gulf states that emerged from that meeting is being developed further, a senior US official said Thursday.

In a speech marking the end of Ramadan – the month of fasting for Muslims – Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that the country would not bow down to the U.S. amid a deal on the Iranian nuclear program.

“If we don’t have confidence that ultimately Abadi is directing those soldiers, then it’s tough for us to have any kind of direct relationship”, he said.

“The notion that I am content as I celebrate with American citizens languishing in Iranian jails, Major, that’s nonsense, and you should know better”, Mr Obama told Major Garrett, White House reporter for CBS News who asked the question.

What’s more, even if defeated, the president could still lift any sanctions against Iran put in place by executive action. Still, he suggested a breakthrough on the nuclear issue could pave the way for a broader shift in relations between the USA and Iran.

Americans can urge their representatives to make sure the review remains focused on the agreement and its details and doesn’t degenerate into mere politics, as too often happens in D.C. Its attitude toward the Iran deal will be critical to the way the pact is received in the broader Arab world.

Downing Street said the leaders “welcomed the historic deal and underlined their respective commitments to delivering on it”.

Iran has always denied seeking an atomic weapon, insisting its nuclear programme is for peaceful energy and medical purposes only.

A Downing Street spokesman said Mr Cameron “expressed his hope that this deal would mark a fresh start in bilateral relations between the United Kingdom and Iran and in Iran’s role in the region”.

The UN Security Council will vote next week on a resolution endorsing the nuclear deal with Iran, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says.

Despite his attempts to defend the outcome of the negotiations, the president has faced criticism from members of Congress over the deal, including some in his own party.