Hillary Clinton backs 'core elements' of nuclear deal

By Susan Ferrechio, Susan Ferrechio

Published December 20, 2015

Hillary Clinton supports the "core elements" of the Iran nuclear deal, according to a House Democrat who listened to her talk privately to the Democratic caucus Tuesday morning.

Rep. Steve Israel, D-N.Y., said Clinton told Democrats that she will meet with former officials to discuss the agreement before pledging her full support.

"She did say the core elements of the deal are worth supporting," Israel said after leaving the meeting early. "However, she's having conversations with former secretaries of State and Defense and she believes we have an obligation to review all of the details of the deal."

Israel said Clinton criticized former President George W. Bush's handling of Iran and said under his leadership the Islamic nation increased its nuclear program.