President Barack Obama told one of Washington's largest Jewish congregations Friday that he has a personal stake in making sure that any nuclear agreement with Iran delivers on its promise.
He said he will not accept a bad deal.
"This deal will have my name on it," he said.
Obama was speaking to Congregation Adas Israel in observance of Jewish American Heritage Month. The appearance coincides with Solidarity Shabbat, devoted to showing unity by political leaders in Europe and North America against anti-Semitism.
He sought to reassure the Jewish community that he shared Israel's commitment to Iran not obtaining a nuclear weapon.
But he said that doesn't mean there shouldn't be periodic disagreements between the U.S. and Israel's governments.
He said papering over disagreements over Israeli settlements is not a true measure of friendship.
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Obama's speec before the congregation intended also to highlight efforts to combat anti-Semitism, a problem he says has created an intimidating environment worldwide for Jewish families.
In an interview with The Atlantic magazine this week, Obama said extremism in the Middle East and the emergence of overt anti-Semitism in Europe has made Jews fearful just one generation removed from the Holocaust.
But he also criticized politicians who denounce anyone who questions Israeli government policies as being anti-Jewish. He says: "I completely reject that.''
