Obama slams critics of Iran nuclear deal

During a lengthy press conference on Wednesday, President Obama said that while he fully expects a "robust" domestic debate over his nuclear deal with Iran, there were only two options in preventing Iran from creating a bomb: diplomacy, or force. "We cut off every single one of Iran's pathways to a nuclear program," Obama said. "Without a deal, those pathways would remain open."

The president also challenged his critics to read the Iran deal themselves and respond to facts rather than misinformation, while redoubling his promise to keep pressure on Iran for terrorism and human rights violations. "No one has presented to me or the American people a better alternative," he said. "I am hearing a lot of talk that this is a bad deal. … What I haven't heard is what is your preferred alternative."

Congress has 60 days to review the deal; Obama has vowed to veto any legislation that prevents the successful implementation of the agreement, which restricts Iran's nuclear capabilities in exchange for lifting punishing sanctions on Tehran.

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