U.S. Speaker Boehner says Iran deal 'likely to fuel' nuclear arms race

U.S. President Barack Obama speaks with Vice President Joe Biden at his side as he delivers a statement about the nuclear deal reached between Iran and six major world powers during an early morning address to the nation from the East Room of the White House in Washington, July 14, 2015. REUTERS/Andrew Harnik/Pool

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Republican speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives added to his party's criticism of the Iran nuclear deal on Tuesday with a harsh statement saying the agreement likely will fuel an international nuclear arms race.

"Instead of stopping the spread of nuclear weapons in the Middle East, this deal is likely to fuel a nuclear arms race around the world," Boehner said in a statement.