Obama cites prisoners' release as win for 'smart' diplomacy

ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON

President Barack Obama today heralded the release of Americans held prisoner in Iran and the full implementation of a historic nuclear accord with the Islamic Republic, holding both up as a victory for "smart" diplomacy and fulfillment of his pledge to deal directly with enemies of the United States.

"This is a good day," Obama said in a statement from the White House. "When Americans are freed and returned to their families, that's something we can all celebrate."

The president spoke at the close of an extraordinary weekend that saw back-to-back the release of five imprisoned Americans and the termination of billions in international sanctions on Iran as part of the nuclear accord.

Yet underscoring the strain that continues to exist between the U.S. and Iran, the Obama administration also announced new penalties Sunday on 11 individuals and entities involved in Tehran's ballistic missile program.

"We will continue to enforce these sanctions vigorously," Obama said. "We are going to remain vigilant about it."

For Obama, the diplomatic breakthroughs are a validation of his early promise to deal directly with nations such as Iran, one that his political opponents continue to staunchly oppose. The U.S. and Iran broke off diplomatic relations after the 1979 hostage-taking at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran.

"America can do — and has done — big things when we work together," Obama said. "We can lead this world and make it safer and more secure."