Obama telephones Corker to discuss Iran nuke agreement

WASHINGTON (AP) – The White House says President Barack Obama and Sen. Bob Corker have discussed the tentative agreement to limit Iran’s nuclear program.

Corker, a Tennessee Republican and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman, is pushing legislation to require Congress to approve the deal.

Obama objects to the bill and has promised to veto it.

Josh Earnest, the president’s spokesman, says Obama called Corker on Wednesday to discuss the commitments Iran had made to limit its nuclear program.

Earnest says Obama praised Corker’s handling of the issue and reiterated that the emerging deal is the best way to keep Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

The tentative agreement has to be finalized by June 30.

Corker’s office confirmed the telephone call but declined to discuss details.