OAK BLUFFS, Mass. (AP) – President Barack Obama says the possibility exists for a constructive relationship with Iran because of the agreement to curb its nuclear program. But he doesn’t think such a relationship will take shape immediately.
Obama says the “nuclear problem” must be dealt with first. He adds that an agreement by the U.S. and five world powers to remove economic sanctions on Iran in exchange for restrictions on the country’s nuclear program achieves that goal “better than any alternative.”
Republican lawmakers, however, are largely united against the agreement, as are some of Obama’s own Democrats.
Obama says the Iranian nuclear issue makes it possible to open broader discussions with Iran on other issues. He named Syria as an example.
He commented in a CNN interview set to air Sunday.