Analysis: Despite Netanyahu's objections WH moves forward with Iran talks
As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu comes to Washington to speak critically about talks between the United States and other countries to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions the White House sees the meeting as necessary and Netanyahu's speech as an attempt to hinder that deal.
Obama said in an interview with Reuters that he understand's Israel's concerns "but what we've consistently said is we have to stay focused on our ultimate goal which is preventing Iran from having a nuclear weapon."
Washington Post columnist David Ignatius spoke with CBS News' Jeff Glor on the administration's viewpoint. He said both sides are trying to minimize how unusual the speech will be. However, although Secretary of State John Kerry and his Iranian counterpart, Mohammad Javad Zarif, are still negotiating, Ignatius believes they will reach an agreement by the deadline later this month.
"The Obama administration insists that this agreement, as flawed as it is, is better for security everyone concerned," said Ignatius. "If these negotiations blow up, everyone will be less safe and the issue will be whether to go to war."
Netanyahu, invited by House Speaker John Boehner, is scheduled to address a joint session of Congress on Tuesday.