The Obama administration is applauding a nuclear deal made between Iran and six world powers. The White House called the pact, announced Monday after weeks of negotiations, a chance at diplomacy.
"We have the opportunity to test whether or not this can be resolved between the international community and Iran peacefully, which is the preferred way that it would be resolved," White House press secretary Jay Carney said Monday.
Under the agreement, Iran will allow its nuclear program to be inspected daily, limit its uranium enrichment, and cut back some of its stockpile. In return, the United States and other countries will ease up on economic sanctions.
President Barack Obama said the deal will help prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. But critics say it's unlikely it will slow down their nuclear program at all.
"I'm by no means confident that this deal at this point, or even later, is going to prevent Iran from doing what it's been wanting to do for years and that's the development of nuclear weapons," Cliff May, president of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told CBN News.
A majority of U.S. senators support new sanctions on Iran even as international negotiations are ongoing.
"I think creating a sanctions regime that is an insurance policy and also creates leverage for us is incredibly important," Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., said.
But the White House is pushing back against the idea, saying further sanctions will close the door to diplomacy.
Meanwhile, Vice President Joe Biden, who was in Israel Monday for the memorial service of former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, tried to ease some of the Jewish state's concerns.
Israel might be taking a "wait-and-see" attitude for now, but attacking Iran is still an option.
"It's a last resort for Israel to use military force to destroy the nuclear weapons facilities, but the Israelis haven't taken it off the table. One hopes that President Obama has not taken that option off table," May said.
Iran and the six world powers have six months to come to a final deal. Obama warned if Tehran does not live up to the terms of the agreement, tougher sanctions will be quickly implemented.
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