Obama defends his Iran policy against growing criticism by Republicans

Obama defends Iran policy against GOP critics

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is answering Republican critics of his cautious response to the violence following the disputed election in Iran.

Obama told reporters at the White House that he believes all Americans, including his critics on Capitol Hill, want justice to prevail in Iran. He said that only he carries the presidential responsibility to protect American interests.

Republican Sen. John McCain and others in the GOP have called Obama overly timid in his remarks about the violence in Iran. Obama responded by saying that he is focused on acting and speaking in ways that preserve U.S. national security interests.

And he said it is important not to allow the Iranian government to use the U.S. as a tool against the protesters by pointing to U.S. interference in internal Iranian affairs.