Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus blasted the Iran nuclear deal in statement Tuesday, couching the agreement as a product of the "Obama-Clinton foreign policy."
"The Obama administration did not even meet its own goals with this deal," declared Priebus. "If implemented, this agreement will cement the Obama-Clinton foreign policy legacy: a richer, more powerful, more dangerous, legitimized Iran."
The GOP chair gave former secretary of state Hillary Clinton substantial credit for "put[ting] things in motion" for the agreement, which would lift international sanctions on Iran while allowing the country to press on with crucial elements of its nuclear work, research, and development.
"She owes America an explanation," Priebus demanded. "Why did she support negotiations that empowered Iran, and what would she do to prevent Iran from ever getting a nuclear weapon? Sadly, we don’t expect to get a straight answer."
The Republican Party leader also slammed the deal for providing Iran with "more money to finance global terrorism."
"Initial reports indicate that Vladimir Putin and Bashar al-Assad are celebrating Iran’s newfound strength, while Israel is even more concerned for its safety and security," Priebus said.
Hillary Clinton praised the nuclear arms agreement Tuesday from Capitol Hill, labeling it an "important moment" for the United States in its effort to disable Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
"I think this is an important step that puts the lid on Iran’s nuclear programs," Clinton said after reportedly telling Democratic lawmakers in a closed-door meeting that the deal is "worthy of support."
Congress will soon begin a review of the deal and will have 60 days to accept or reject it. President Obama promised to veto any effort by Congress to reject the agreement during remarks at the White House Tuesday morning.