Obama thanks Putin for Russia's role in reaching Iran nuclear deal

U.S. President Barack Obama gave thanks to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin for Russia's role in achieving the Iran nuclear deal in a phone call Wednesday.

The presidents discussed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) reached among the European Union, Iran, and the P5+1 group, namely Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States, regarding Iran's nuclear program, according to a press release of the White House.

"They affirmed that the JCPOA represents a historic solution that will prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapon by cutting off all pathways to a bomb while ensuring Iran's nuclear program with peaceful nature going forward," the White House said.

"The leaders committed to remain in close coordination during the JCPOA and expressed a desire to work together on reducing regional tensions, particularly in Syria," it added.

Obama said on Tuesday that the comprehensive long-term Iran nuclear deal will prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapon, making the U.S. and the world "safer and more secure."

Obama thanked the U.S. negotiation partners -- the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia, China, as well as the European Union, "for the unity in this effort, which showed that the world can do remarkable things when we share a vision of peacefully addressing conflict," Obama said, adding that "we showed what we can do when we do not split apart."

However, the deal is being accused by domestic Republican lawmakers and U.S. ally Israel. Critics said Obama abandoned many of his goals set for the negotiations and that he made too much concessions to Tehran. Enditem