Obama: Iran deal builds on diplomacy that won Cold War

U.S. President Barack Obama argued Wednesday that the Iran nuclear accord builds on an American tradition of "strong, principled diplomacy" with adversaries, including the former Soviet Union.

He linked those who oppose the pact to politicians who pushed for the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

In a point-by-point rebuttal of criticism of the Iran agreement, Obama warned that if Congress blocks the deal it will put the U.S. on the path to military action to stop Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

"The choice we face is ultimately between diplomacy and some form of war," Obama said in an address at American University. "Maybe not tomorrow, maybe not three months from now, but soon."

• 6 things you need to know about the Iran nuclear deal
• Iran nuclear deal: 'Historic' agreement reached in Vienna
• ANALYSIS | Iran nuclear deal could change country's place in the world: Nahlah Ayed​​

Opponents of the Iran deal argue Obama is setting up a false choice aimed at making them appear eager for war.

The agreement between the U.S., Iran and international powers aims to dismantle much of Tehran's nuclear program in exchange for billions of dollars in relief from economic sanctions. The White House says the deal would cut off all of Iran's pathways to a bomb and mandate robust inspections that would catch Tehran if it cheats.

Challenging those who say the U.S. should have layered tougher sanctions on Tehran and held out for a better deal, Obama said they "are either ignorant of Iranian society or they're just not being straight with the American people."

The president's address is part of an intense summer lobbying campaign by both supporters and opponents of the nuclear deal. Members of Congress will vote next month on a resolution either approving or disapproving the pact.

"If Congress were to kill this deal, they would not only pave Iran's pathway to a bomb, they would accelerate it," Obama contended.