Iran’s top military chief voiced his support Saturday for the controversial nuclear deal reached with world leaders in July, according to reports.
Gen. Hassan Firouzabadi, a close ally of Iran’s spiritual leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, endorsed the pact despite growing opposition from hard-liners and conservatives in the country.
“The armed forces have the most concerns about the effect of the deal on Iran’s defense capabilities . . . but this agreement and the UN Security Council resolution have many advantages that the critics ignore,” Firouzabadi said.
The accord calls for inspections on Iranian nuclear sites in exchange for removal of economic sanctions.
Khamenei, who has the final say on all state matters, has not said publicly whether or not he supports the deal.
Iran’s parliament and the Supreme National Security Council will consider the agreement in the coming days.
Several U.S. lawmakers, including New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, oppose the deal.
The House and Senate will begin debate on a resolution of disapproval on Sept. 8 after the August recess
