Read Full Statement Obama Released After Senate Failed to Block Iran Nuke Deal

President Barack Obama praised the Senate Thursday afternoon after the legislative branch failed to block the controversial Iranian nuclear deal negotiated by his administration.

Obama said it was a "historic step forward" to preventing "Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon."

Pete Marovich/Bloomberg/Pool

The president added that it was a "vote for diplomacy" and "American national security."

Earlier, a disapproval motion fell two votes short of the 60 needed to advance.

Read Obama's full statement:

‎"Today, the Senate took an historic step forward and voted to enable the United States to work with our international partners to enable the implementation of the comprehensive, long-term deal that will prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. This vote is a victory for diplomacy, for American national security, and for the safety and security of the world. For nearly two years, we negotiated from a position of strength to reach an agreement that meets our core objectives. Since we concluded these negotiations, we have had the most consequential national security debate since the decision to invade Iraq more than a decade ago. Over the last several weeks, the more members studied the details of this deal, the more they came out in support. Today, I am heartened that so many Senators judged this deal on the merits, and am gratified by the strong support of lawmakers and citizens alike. Going forward, we will turn to the critical work of implementing and verifying this deal so that Iran cannot pursue a nuclear weapon, while pursuing a foreign policy that leaves our country - and the world - a safer place."

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