AIPAC says deal driven by US-Israeli military pressure

BEIRUT — The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) said the U.S.–Iran deal was made possible by U.S. and Israeli military pressure against Iran’s leadership, nuclear program, and military capabilities.

The powerful pro-Israel lobby also said in a statement that it is awaiting further details on the framework of the negotiations, particularly to know whether the agreement will preserve "Israel's sovereign right" to respond to the security threats it faces. It also stressed the "crucial" role that the U.S. Congress will have to play throughout the talks and when reviewing any possible final agreement.

The network, which is close to the Republicans, also called on U.S. lawmakers to support efforts to increase Washington's diplomatic, economic, and military leverage in order to reach an agreement that would "permanently and verifiably" end Iran's nuclear program, including through the removal of all enriched uranium from Iranian territory and the dismantling of all enrichment sites.

According to the lobby, the final agreement should also address Iran's ballistic missile and drone programs, as well as put an end to Tehran's funding of "terrorist" groups around the world.