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.
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