Hannity falsehood: Obama gave "go-ahead" for Iran nukes

During the June 4 edition of his Fox News program, Sean Hannity falsely claimed that in his June 4 address at Cairo University, President Obama "gives in this speech pretty much the go-ahead, as he did the day before, that Iran can now pursue their nuclear ambitions." Later in the broadcast, Hannity also asked Bernard McGuirk, producer for ABC Radio Networks' Imus in the Morning, "We're gonna embrace, you know, extremist groups? We're gonna allow Iran to get a nuclear weapon, Bernie?" In fact, Obama did not give "the go-ahead" for Iran to "pursue their nuclear ambitions," but rather stated that "any nation -- including Iran -- should have the right to access peaceful nuclear power if it complies with its responsibilities under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty," which bans Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which Iran ratified in 1970, requires that nations currently without nuclear weapons do not "manufacture or otherwise acquire nuclear weapons or other nuclear devices." The treaty also requires non-nuclear states to negotiate safeguards with the International Atomic Energy Agency "for the exclusive purpose of verification of the fulfillment of its obligations assumed under this Treaty with a view to preventing diversion of nuclear energy from peaceful uses to nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices." From the treaty:

Each Non-nuclear-weapon State Party to the Treaty undertakes to accept safeguards, as set forth in an agreement to be negotiated and concluded with the International Atomic Energy Agency in accordance with the Statute of the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Agency's safeguards system, for the exclusive purpose of verification of the fulfillment of its obligations assumed under this Treaty with a view to preventing diversion of nuclear energy from peaceful uses to nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices. Procedures for the safeguards required by this Article shall be followed with respect to source or special fissionable material whether it is being produced, processed or used in any principal nuclear facility or is outside any such facility. The safeguards required by this Article shall be applied on all source or special fissionable material in all peaceful nuclear activities within the territory of such State, under its jurisdiction, or carried out under its control anywhere.

Obama similarly expressed his support for the pursuit of peaceful nuclear power -- not nuclear weapons -- during a June 1 BBC interview, in which he stated that "Iran has legitimate energy concerns, legitimate aspirations. On the other hand, the international community has a very real interest in preventing a nuclear arms race in the region." Additionally, during an April 5 speech in Prague, Obama said: "We will support Iran's right to peaceful nuclear energy with rigorous inspections. That's a path that the Islamic Republic can take. Or the government can choose increased isolation, international pressure, and a potential nuclear arms race in the region that will increase insecurity for all."

From Obama's June 4 speech at Cairo University:

OBAMA: The third source of tension is our shared interest in the rights and responsibilities of nations on nuclear weapons.

This issue has been a source of tension between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran. For many years, Iran has defined itself in part by its opposition to my country, and there is indeed a tumultuous history between us. In the middle of the Cold War, the United States played a role in the overthrow of a democratically-elected Iranian government. Since the Islamic Revolution, Iran has played a role in acts of hostage-taking and violence against U.S. troops and civilians. This history is well known. Rather than remain trapped in the past, I have made it clear to Iran's leaders and people that my country is prepared to move forward. The question, now, is not what Iran is against, but rather what future it wants to build.

It will be hard to overcome decades of mistrust, but we will proceed with courage, rectitude and resolve. There will be many issues to discuss between our two countries, and we are willing to move forward without preconditions on the basis of mutual respect. But it is clear to all concerned that when it comes to nuclear weapons, we have reached a decisive point. This is not simply about America's interests. It is about preventing a nuclear arms race in the Middle East that could lead this region and the world down a hugely dangerous path.

I understand those who protest that some countries have weapons that others do not. No single nation should pick and choose which nations hold nuclear weapons. That is why I strongly reaffirmed America's commitment to seek a world in which no nations hold nuclear weapons. And any nation - including Iran - should have the right to access peaceful nuclear power if it complies with its responsibilities under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. That commitment is at the core of the Treaty, and it must be kept for all who fully abide by it. And I am hopeful that all countries in the region can share in this goal.

From the June 4 edition of Fox News' Hannity:

HANNITY: Can I ask about it in this context? We don't consider ourselves a Christian nation, which was a phrase that he used, I think it was in Turkey in that speech, and then yesterday was saying that actually America would be one of the largest country -- Muslim countries in the world. And on top of it, gives in this speech pretty much the go-ahead, as he did the day before, that Iran can now pursue their nuclear ambitions.

[...]

McGUIRK: He's gonna throw Israel under the bus if he has the -- if it serves his purpose.

HANNITY: Well, it already is. I mean, look at the -- all the pressure's being brought to Israel. We're embracing Hamas?

McGUIRK: Right.

HANNITY: We're gonna embrace, you know, extremist groups? We're gonna allow Iran to get a nuclear weapon, Bernie?

MCGUIRK: Yeah, no, it's ridiculous. And the moral equivalence between those that are killing Israelis and the Israeli government, as though there is some equivalency.

HANNITY: Yeah, he made a moral equivalency.