Obama sees chance for improved relations between US, Iran

OAK BLUFFS, Mass. (AP) — President Barack Obama says a constructive relationship with Iran could be a byproduct of the deal to limit its nuclear program, but it won't happen immediately. If at all.

Obama told CNN in an interview airing Sunday that Iran's "nuclear problem" must be dealt with first. He said the agreement reached last month by the U.S. and five other world powers to remove crippling economic sanctions on Iran in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear program achieves that goal "better than any alternative."

Republican lawmakers largely disagree with the president's assessment that the deal blocks Iran's path to a nuclear weapon, as do some of Obama's own Democrats.