国际英语新闻:'Framework' Deal Reached at Iran Nuclear Talks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded that the deal between Iran and world powers "significantly" curb Iran's nuclear program.

Moments before Iran and international negotiators announced the deal, Netanyahu put out this statement on his Twitter feed: "Any deal must significantly roll back Iran's nuclear capabilities and stop its terrorism and aggression."

A White House press official confirmed that President Obama discussed the deal with Israeli prime minister by phone while aboard Air Force One Thursday.

"The president emphasized that, while nothing is agreed until everything is, the framework represents significant progress towards a lasting, comprehensive solution that cuts off all of Iran’s pathways to a bomb and verifiably ensures the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program going."

Obama also told Netanyahu that "he has directed his national security team to increase consultations with the new Israeli government about how we can further strengthen our long-term security cooperation with Israel and remain vigilant in countering Iran’s threats."

According to reports by Reuters, on Thursday U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon congratulated all parties to deal, saying a comprehensive nuclear deal between Iran and world powers by June 30 could "enable all countries to cooperate urgently to deal with the many serious security challenges they face."

Jordan's U.N. ambassador Dina Kawar, who is president of the United Nations Security Council for April, told reporters that she hoped the progress between Iran and world powers could "open up other situations in our region."

When asked for more detail, she said: "Maybe it will give us a chance also to address the issues of Palestine and Israel in the council ... Let's see what happens."

France said last week it plans to start discussions with partners in the "coming weeks" on a United Nations Security Council resolution to lay out parameters for ending the Middle East conflict.

Russia, a major Iranian ally, said there is no doubt the framework will have a "positive impact" on the Middle East. The foreign ministry said Iran would be allowed to take a more active role in solving regional conflicts.

Iran has always denied wanting to build a nuclear bomb, saying its nuclear program is strictly for peaceful civilian purposes.

US Congressional response

Republican House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) issued a statement on Thursday saying "parameters for a final deal represent an alarming departure from the White House’s initial goals."

"Congress must be allowed to fully review the details of any agreement before any sanctions are lifted," he said, adding "my concerns about Iran’s efforts to foment unrest, brutal violence and terror have only grown. It would be naïve to suggest the Iranian regime will not continue to use its nuclear program, and any economic relief, to further destabilize the region."

“The Administration owes Congress the details on many key questions from today’s announcement," said a statement released by Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

"Just what is the research and development that Iran will be permitted on its advanced centrifuges, key to advancing its nuclear program? What violations would constitute 'significant nonperformance?' There must be a zero-tolerance policy for Iranian cheating," he said.

U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, echoed demands for full congressional reviews of the details of preliminary deal.

Representative Eliot L. Engel (D-NY), the top Democrat on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, said "no deal is better than a bad deal, and we need to ensure that this agreement forecloses any pathway to a bomb."

“As we move ahead with negotiations with Iran, our allies must know that we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them to ensure their security and protection from Iran’s destabilizing activities,” he said.