Obama defends Iranian nuclear deal against ‘tough talk and bluster’

London – President Barack Obama has defended the breakthrough deal between Iran and world powers on Tehran’s nuclear programme.

Obama however acknowledged that obstacles remained, but said ‘tough talk and bluster’ did not guarantee U.S. security.

According to the BBC, the six-month interim deal struck in Geneva resulted in Iran agreeing to curb some of its nuclear activities in return for sanctions relief.

The accord has been generally welcomed, but Israel’s prime minister called it ‘a historic mistake’.

Some US senators also criticised the deal as ‘too soft’ on Iran and have threatened to press for fresh sanctions.

During an event in San Francisco, Obama said that huge challenges remain, but they cannot close the door on diplomacy.

According to the report, he added that they cannot commit themselves to an endless cycle of violence, and tough talk and bluster may be the easy thing to do politically, but it’s not the right thing for our security.

The West has long suspected Iran’s uranium enrichment programme is geared towards making a weapon, but Tehran insisted it only wants nuclear energy, the report said.

UK Foreign Secretary William Hague also welcomed the Geneva accord, but said it was only a ‘first step’.