White House labels rally against Iran deal ‘pro-war’

Republican senator says sanctions relief will make US a ‘leading state sponsor of radical Islamic terrorists’

By AP 24 July 2015, 2:10 am

Edit

White House press secretary Josh Earnest speaks during the daily briefing at the White House, Tuesday, March 31, 2015. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama’s spokesman has referred to a Washington demonstration against the Iran nuclear deal as a “pro-war rally.”

Sen. Ted Cruz, a Republican presidential candidate, said at the rally that if economic sanctions on Iran are lifted under the deal, the Obama administration would become the “leading state sponsor and financier of radical Islamic terrorists.”

White House press secretary Josh Earnest was asked about the demonstration and said he was aware Cruz had planned “to hold a pro-war rally” outside the White House.

Earnest was asked whether he thought all opponents of the deal were “pro-war.” He replied: “They can explain for themselves.”

He said Cruz was among Republican candidates who have suggested as president they would be ready to launch an immediate military strike on Iran.