Saudi foreign minister says Iran nuclear deal curtails Tehran's ability to get atomic weapon

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia's foreign minister says the Iran nuclear deal appears to have the provisions needed to curtail Iran's ability to obtain an atomic weapon.

Adel Al-Jubeir's remarks Thursday were the most favorable so far from the kingdom, which has been skeptical of the U.S.-led deal struck earlier this month between world powers and Iran, Saudi's regional rival.

Al-Jubeir says the kingdom has been reassured by Washington while consultations continue about the deal. He says it allows for effective inspections, including of military sites, and the possibility of snap-back sanctions.

Al-Jubeir, who visited Washington in mid-July, says the Saudis are "currently in talks with the American government regarding these details, but it (the deal) generally seems to have achieved these objectives."

U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter visited the kingdom Wednesday.