Obama on Iranian nuclear agreement: 'This has been a long time coming'

President Obama on Thursday hailed the "historic" framework of a nuclear deal with Iran he said would, if enacted, prevent Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

"I am convinced that if this framework leads to a final comprehensive deal it will make our country, our allies, and our world safer," Obama said.

Calling it the "best option," Obama warned that a failure to continue negotiations would only accelerate Iran's path to the bomb, and said inspection safeguards in the deal would ensure, "if Iran cheats, the world will know it." Under the basics of the deal, Iran would be limited to one enrichment facility, at Natanz, international inspectors would have access to Iranian facilities, and the U.S. and European Union would immediately life all sanctions.

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"It is a good deal," Obama said, "a deal that meets our core objectives."

Negotiators have until June 30 to reach a final comprehensive deal.