President Barack Obama said on Saturday (November 23) that a deal between Iran and six major powers was an important first step towards a comprehensive solution to Iran's nuclear programme.

The accord was designed as a package of confidence-building steps to ease decades of tensions and confrontation and banish the spectre of a Middle East war over Tehran's nuclear aspirations.

The West fears that Iran has been seeking to develop a nuclear weapons capability.

Obama addressed the objections Israel and other Middle East nations had towards a deal with Iran.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) BARACK OBAMA, UNITED STATES PRESIDENT, SAYING:

"As we go forward, the resolve of the United States will remain firm, as will our commitment to our friends and allies - particularly Israel and our Gulf partners, who have good reason to be skeptical about Iran's intentions. Ultimately, only diplomacy can bring about a durable solution to the challenge posed by Iran's nuclear program. A