Obama says 2015 deal had addressed nuclear issue, unloads on Trump and mocks president’s Iran diplomatic strategy

Obama criticizes Iran policy

Former President Barack Obama criticized Donald Trump over the war with Iran and his approach to diplomacy. Obama said the nuclear issue had been dealt with under his administration, before Trump withdrew from the agreement.

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, known as the Iran Nuclear Deal, was signed in 2015. It limited Iran’s nuclear program to peaceful uses in exchange for sanctions relief. The United States and Israel began strikes against Iran in late February, with Trump citing an imminent danger tied to Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

War and fuel prices

Trump had described the military campaign as a quick operation, but it has continued for nearly eight months. After the strikes began, Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting the passage of oil tankers and driving fuel prices higher.

Obama linked the conflict to rising costs. He said oil and diesel prices were up because of the war, and that the increase was affecting nearly everything.

Voters weigh ending conflict

In an AP/NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll, 47 percent of Democratic voters and 56 percent of Republican voters said ending the Iran war should be among the next Congress’s highest priorities. The figures show concern about the conflict among voters from both parties, as the war continues and fuel prices remain a prominent issue.

Obama campaigns in Ohio

Obama visited Cleveland on Saturday to support Amy Acton in her campaign for Ohio governor against Vivek Ramaswamy, an ally of Trump. He also backed former Senator Sherrod Brown, who is challenging Republican Senator Jon Husted.

As of Saturday evening, Polymarket gave Acton an 83 percent chance of winning and Ramaswamy an 18 percent chance. A Marist Poll survey conducted before a campaign ad was released found Acton leading among likely Ohio voters, 50 percent to 43 percent.