San Francisco (AFP) - US President Barack Obama defended his administration's Iran policy on Monday but said "huge challenges" remained to successfully implement a landmark deal on Tehran's nuclear ambitions.
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Obama has come under fierce criticism from Republican rivals at home and key allies abroad, such as Israel, for pursuing a diplomatic solution to the Iran question.
Israel decried the breakthrough agreement reached in Geneva on Sunday -- under which Tehran agreed to curb its nuclear program in return for an easing of sanctions -- as a "historic mistake."
Obama, however, insisted that the US policy of diplomacy twinned with sanctions had been more productive than rhetoric, stating that "tough talk" alone would not guarantee US security.
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Diplomats grapple for Iran deal amid talk of delay AFP
Kerry meets Iran foreign minister to close gaps in nuclear talks Reuters
Breakthrough deal curbs Iran's nuclear activity Reuters
Gaps seen narrowing despite Iran nuclear deal failure AFP
Obama has come under fierce criticism from Republican rivals at home and key allies abroad, such as Israel, for pursuing a diplomatic solution to the Iran question.
Israel decried the breakthrough agreement reached in Geneva on Sunday -- under which Tehran agreed to curb its nuclear program in return for an easing of sanctions -- as a "historic mistake."
Obama, however, insisted that the US policy of diplomacy twinned with sanctions had been more productive than rhetoric, stating that "tough talk" alone would not guarantee US security.