Israel condemns Iran nuclear deal, vows to block bomb production

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced world powers' nuclear deal with Iran as a "historic mistake."

"Sweeping concessions were made in all of the areas meant to block Iran from the ability to arm itself with nuclear weapons," Netanyahu said, according to an e-mailed statement from his office. "We have made a commitment to block Iran from arming itself with nuclear weapons, and that commitment stands."

Diplomats from Iran and six world powers reached an accord early Tuesday that curbs the Islamic Republic's nuclear program in return for an easing of restrictions that slashed oil exports and cut off the country from global finance. Iran denies allegations by Israel and the West that its nuclear program is a cover to build atomic weapons.

Advisers to Netanyahu have said Israel will lobby the U.S. Congress to try to kill the deal. Legislation passed in May gives the Republican-controlled legislature 60 days to review an agreement that’s been criticised by both Republicans and Democrats.

"The prime minister is going to pursue with every available means at his disposal, his efforts of persuasion directed at the Congress, and American public opinion in general," Zalman Shoval, a Netanyahu adviser and two-time ambassador to the U.S., said before the deal was announced.