Iran will never get nuclear weapon if I'm president: Clinton

Washington

Democratic presidential contender Hillary Clinton vowed yesterday that Iran will never be able to acquire atomic weapons if she is elected to the White House.

Clinton's tough words came as critics in the US Congress, as well as skeptical US allies around the globe, criticized an agreement with Tehran as providing a glide path -- albeit a somewhat delayed one -- toward an eventual nuclear weapon.

"As president, I would use every tool in our arsenal to compel rigorous Iranian compliance," Clinton said in a statement.

"The message to Iran should be loud and clear: We will never allow you to acquire a nuclear weapon; not just during the term of this agreement –- never."

A former US secretary of state, Clinton said she is "still studying the details" of the plan, but gave it her qualified backing.

"Based on the briefings I received and a review of the documents, I support the agreement because it can help us prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon," the ex-first lady said.

"With vigorous enforcement, unyielding verification and swift consequences for any violations, this agreement can make the United States, Israel and our Arab partners safer."