Obama: U.S. can use military if Iran breaks deal

WASHINGTON, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- The United States could take military action, or reassert sanctions, if Iran does not comply with the nuclear agreement, President Barack Obama wrote.

"All of the options available to the United States –- including the military option -– will remain available through the life of the deal and beyond," he wrote in a letter, made public Thursday by the White House, to Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y

Obama added any U.S. or multilateral sanctions, brought about by Iran's failure to uphold its end of the agreement, could not be blocked by any other country.

While Obama has noted these factors in the past, the letter was designed to reassure Jewish Democrats in Congress, and Democrats still undecided on whether to vote in favor of the deal. The Republican-majority Congress will vote whether to approve the agreement, in which guards against Iran's nuclear weapons capability are exchanged with removal of economic sanctions, in September. While a resolution of disapproval is expected, the White House feels it can obtain enough votes to override Obama's veto.

To counter Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu's strong opposition to the agreement, Obama's letter adds the administration is willing to increase missile funding, and mapping technology and tunnel detection systems, to Israel.

Nadler represents New York City's Manhattan and part of Brooklyn, a congressional district with a heavy Jewish constituency.