Joint statement being finalized at Iran nuclear talks

US President Barack Obama speaks about the framework agreement on Iran's nuclear program announced by negotiators in Switzerland during a statement in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington April 2, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

Obama says 'historic' Iran framework could make world safer

US President Barack Obama on Thursday said a framework agreement reached at talks in Switzerland on Iran's nuclear program is "a good deal" that would, if fully implemented, prevent Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and help make the world safer.

Speaking at the White House Rose Garden, Obama said he would talk with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu - a fierce critic of an Iran deal - as well as US congressional leaders later on Thursday, and had already spoken with Saudi Arabia's King Salman.

Obama, who delayed a scheduled trip to Kentucky and Utah to make the statement after negotiators announced the agreement, addressed critics of the talks with Iran and acknowledged that the framework deal alone would not erase distrust between the Washington and Tehran. More