Obama hits out at detractors, defends foreign policy record

President Barack Obama hit back on Sunday at criticism by Republican presidential candidates of his handling of Iran and other international issues, and said a new Congress may be needed to heal the US economy.

President Barack Obama hit back on Sunday at criticism by Republican presidential candidates of his handling of Iran and other international issues, and said a new Congress may be needed to heal the US economy.

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In Hawaii, the president appeared to relish the chance to defend and tout his foreign policy record after wrapping up a summit of Asia-Pacific leaders that he hosted.

Obama said his frank and open relationship with China had "yielded considerable benefits" including a united front against Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Asked to respond to Republican Mitt Romney's assertion that Iran would succeed in developing a nuclear weapon if Obama were to be re-elected, the president cited "steady, determined, firm progress in isolating the Iranian regime." reuters