The likely field of 2016 GOP candidates have started to weigh in on the framework of the nuclear deal that the United States and five others countries struck with Iran, casting doubt about whether the accord will put the breaks on the Persian nation’s ability to develop a nuclear weapon.
Meanwhile, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the odds on favorite to win the Democratic nomination, issued a statement applauding the deal — further fueling the notion that the next presidential race is shaping up to be heavy on foreign policy and national security issues.
“The understanding that the major world powers have reached with Iran is an important step toward a comprehensive agreement that would prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon and strengthen the security of the United States, Israel and the region,” Mrs. Clinton said in a statement.
Under the framework, the United States would lift economic sanctions in exchange for Tehran reducing its enrichment activities and opening its nuclear facilities to close inspection from the United Nation’s nuclear watchdog outfit, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The Obama administration said the sanctions relief will not happen until it is can verified that Iran has followed through on its commitments.
Mrs. Clinton said the “devil is always in the details on this kind of negotiation,” and said she “strongly supports” the Obama administration’s push to reach a final deal this summer that “cuts off all of Iran’s paths to a nuclear weapon, imposes an intrusive inspection program with no sites off limits, extends breakout time, and spells out clear and overwhelming consequences for violations.”
Republicans had a different take.
Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry tweeted that the United States and its allies are “right to be wary of a nuclear deal w/ Iran that is riddled with concessions by the Obama Administration.”
Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida also aired his doubts on Twitter, saying he is awaiting more details on the deal, “but early reports indicate this is Obama admin spinning diplomatic failure.”
And former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush said, “I cannot stand behind such a flawed agreement.”
“These negotiations began, by President Obama’s own admission, as an effort to deny Iran nuclear capabilities, but instead will only legitimize those activities,” Mr. Bush said in a statement. “Nothing in the deal described by the administration this afternoon would justify lifting U.S. and international sanctions, which were the product of many years of bipartisan effort.”
The Washington Times reported Thursday that President Obama described the framework as “historic” and said it sets the stage for a final agreement that will “cut off every pathway that Iran could take to a nuclear weapon,” with final terms to be resolved and signed by all parties by the end of June.
“I am convinced that if this framework leads to a final comprehensive deal, it will make our country, our allies and our world safer,” Mr. Obama said in remarks at the White House.
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.
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