Obama hails UN vote on Iran nuke deal

President Obama on Monday hailed a United Nation Security Council vote endorsing the Iran nuclear agreement, which has sparked controversy in Congress.

The vote shows “there is broad international consensus” around using diplomacy to cut off Tehran’s path to a nuclear weapon, Obama told reporters in the Oval Office. 

{mosads}“My … assumption is that Congress will pay attention to that broad-based consensus,” the president added. 

The unanimous Security Council vote formally adopted resolutions backing the nuclear deal with Iran, which curbs its nuclear program for at least a decade in exchange for relief from international sanctions. 

But the vote occurred despite opposition on Capitol Hill, where top lawmakers have chided the administration for urging the U.N. to act before Congress has the chance to weigh in. 

Obama administration has brushed aside those concerns, saying the Security Council resolution won’t take effect for 90 days, allowing Congress to consider the agreement during its 60-day review period. 

The vote paves the way for sanctions to begin being lifted in 90 days. 

Obama’s delivered his remarks during a meeting with Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari.

The two leaders discussed expanded economic ties and the fight against the Islamic terrorist group Boko Haram. 

Buhari’s election in April marked the first democratic transition to power in Nigeria’s history. 

Obama said his government has the chance to “be an outstanding role model for developing countries around the world.”

The president was joined in the meeting by Vice President Biden, national security adviser Susan Rice and Secretary of State John Kerry.