The preliminary framework deal aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear program announced Thursday was greeted with caution, criticism and congratulations. Here’s some reaction from around the world.
President Barack Obama: The deal made the world safer and “cut off every pathway” to an Iranian nuclear weapon, the president said.
“If Iran cheats, the world will know it,” he said. “If we see something suspicious, we will inspect it.”
The agreement was also vastly better than bombing Iranian nuclear facilities and starting another war in the Middle East, Obama added.
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Iranians: Celebrations erupted on the streets of Tehran after the deal was announced, as Iranians saw an possible end to crushing economic sanctions.
“I think this deal will be good for our business and for our customers, we will be able to import a more diverse range of goods and sell them at a better price,” said Reza, 36, the general manager of grocery store in an affluent part of the capital. “Our customers often complain that goods are not diverse and very expensive. God willing, now we will be able to offer many more good at better prices”
Sana, a 41-year-old customer shopping with her 6-year-old son, said she hoped an end to sanctions would mean it was easier to buy basics but remained cautious.
“I hope this and many other things will change in my country once the sanctions have gone, but you never know,” she said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “A deal based on this framework would threaten the survival of Israel,” said Netanyahu, who has often spoken out against the agreement. “Such a deal would not block Iran’s path to the bomb. It would pave it,” he warned in a statement after speaking to Obama by telephone.
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The U.S. and other countries should instead ratchet up the pressure on Iran until a better deal is reached, he said.
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman: Iran’s regional rival and close U.S. ally reacted cautiously.
“The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques expressed his hope that reaching a final binding deal would strengthen the stability and security of the region and the world,” Saudi Press Agency reported, using Salman’s official title.
Russia: While President Vladimir Putin did not comment on the deal, his foreign ministry praised the agreement, saying it was based on the principle espoused by Russia that Iran should be allowed to have a peaceful nuclear program as long as it was under international control. “There is no doubt that this agreement has a positive impact on … the general security situation in the Middle East, not least because Iran would be able to participate more actively in solving a whole range of problems and conflicts existing in the region,” according to a statement on the ministry’s website. Russia is one of the world powers known as the P5+1 that helped negotiate the agreement. House Speaker John Boehner: The White House clashed repeatedly with Republicans legislators who have opposed the deal and warned that they may reverse any pact signed once Obama leaves office. It would be “naive to suggest the Iranian regime will not continue to use its nuclear program, and any economic relief, to further destabilize the region,” Boehner said in the wake of the announcement. France’s President Francois Hollande: The French leader backed the accord but also warned that “sanctions lifted can be re-established if the agreement is not applied.” France, also part of the P5+1, has had pushed the U.S. for a tougher stance on Iran’s nuclear program. NBC News’ Ali Arouzi, F. Brinley Bruton, The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on NBCNews.com.
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