Wife of Idaho pastor reacts to Iran nuke deal

After nearly two years of tense negotiations, a nuclear deal has been reached with Iran. Strong reactions are being expressed around the world and on Capitol Hill. President Barack Obama said the deal offers an opportunity to move in a new direction. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is a critic. He said Israel is not bound by this deal because Iran continues to seek the destruction of Israel. But left out of the entire equation are the four American prisoners held captive in Iran. One of those is Idaho pastor Saeed Abedini. Eyewitness News anchor Todd Kunz talked with his wife Naghmeh Tuesday afternoon. She is “deeply disappointed” in the deal that didn’t assure her husband’s release.

Naghmeh met with President Obama in January while he was visiting Boise. She urged him not to approve a nuclear deal with Iran without first working on releasing her husband.

She said she is now focused on lobbying the U.S. Congress to review the deal with her family in mind.

“I plan to work with our Congress to make sure as they review the deal, that Saeed and the other Americans are not forgotten and are not left behind and as a Christian of course, I’ll be praying and hoping that his release will come soon. My daughter is turning 9 in a few months and she’s asking if daddy will be here when she turns 9 and I’m praying and hoping,” said Naghmeh.

U.S. Congress has 60 days to review the deal. Congress also has the power to end the deal by overriding a presidential veto.

Pastor Saeed Abedini has been in Iranian custody since September 2012.