Summary Here are the main reactions to the Geneva deal.
PARIS, France (AFP) - Iran and world powers reached a preliminary accord Sunday curbing Tehran's nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief, the biggest breakthrough in a decade-old standoff.
It was widely praised as a step towards making the world safer but Israel criticised the deal as giving the Islamic republic too much and failing to guarantee it would not get the bomb.
Here are the main reactions to the Geneva deal:
- US President Barack Obama
"Today, the United States -- together with our close allies and partners - took an important first step toward a comprehensive solution that addresses our concerns with the Islamic Republic of Iran's nuclear programme."
- US Secretary of State John Kerry
"This first step, I want to emphasise, actually rolls back the programme from where it is today, enlarges the breakout time, which would not have occurred unless this agreement existed. It will make our partners in the region safer. It will make our ally Israel safer."
- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani:
"This agreement benefits all regional countries and global peace."
"Constructive engagement (in addition to) tireless efforts by negotiating teams are to open new horizons."
- Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman
"This agreement is the greatest diplomatic victory of Iran, which has gained recognition for its so-called legitimate right to enrich uranium."
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov
"Nobody lost, everyone ends up winning... We are convinced that Iran will cooperate with the (International Atomic Energy Agency) agency in good faith.
- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi
"This agreement will help to uphold the international nuclear non-proliferation system, (and) safeguard peace and stability in the Middle East."
- British Foreign Secretary William Hague
The deal is "good for the whole world, including Middle Eastern countries and the people of Iran themselves".
- French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius
The accord "confirms Iran's right to civilian nuclear energy but rules out access to the nuclear weapon."
