"It's a good deal, a deal that meets our core objectives, including strict limitations on Iran's program and cutting off every pathway that Iran could take to develop a nuclear weapon," Obama said in a video message uploaded to the White House website.
The framework deal was struck after a marathon of talks between Iran and a group of six major world powers, comprising the United States, Britain, France, Russia, China and Germany. A final detailed agreement is due by June 30, 2015.
Obama said Tehran had agreed to stop stockpiling materials that are needed to build an atomic bomb and gave international monitors greater access to its nuclear facilities. The US president stressed that the deal is not based on trust but on "unprecedented" controls for Iran that will face more inspections than any country in the world.
In return, Iran has been promised relief from international sanctions. Iran previously demanded that all restrictions be lifted once a comprehensive deal is reached.
Obama warned that, "if there is backsliding from Iran in the months to come, there will be no deal." This came as a nod to the Republican-controlled US Congress that has been skeptical about the Iranian nuclear accord. It is seeking to pass a bill that will allow lawmakers to review the details of any nuclear deal before sanctions are lifted.
The US president vowed to fully brief Congress and the nation on the progress of the negotiations and matters under discussion in the months leading to the final agreement.
