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In Iran deal, Obama sees validation for diplomatic gamble

President Barack Obama walks with Vice President Joe Biden, after delivering remarks in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, July 14, 2015, after an Iran nuclear deal is reached. Obama heralded a historic nuclear agreement with Iran Tuesday as an opportunity for the longtime foes to move in a “new direction,” while sharply warning Congress that it would be irresponsible to block the accord. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) President Barack Obama walks with Vice President Joe Biden, after delivering remarks in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, July 14, 2015, after an Iran nuclear deal is reached. Obama heralded a historic nuclear agreement with Iran Tuesday as an opportunity for the longtime foes to move in a “new direction,” while sharply warning Congress that it would be irresponsible to block the accord. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

By Associated Press July 15, 2015 1 min read

WASHINGTON (AP) – For President Barack Obama, the historic nuclear accord with Iran is a validation of an arduous, politically fraught diplomatic gamble, one he foreshadowed before winning the White House and one that will shape his legacy long after he leaves.

The deal to curb Iran’s nuclear program may prevent Tehran from developing a bomb or being the target of U.S. military action during Obama’s presidency. But whether the agreement succeeds in stemming Iran’s nuclear ambitions after his tenure is a far murkier question.

The shear amount of time and political capital Obama invested in the Iran talks has fueled speculation that he had too much on the line to walk away from the negotiating table. Obama authorized risky secret talks with Iran in 2012, followed by nearly two years of negotiations.