“History shows us that America must lead not just with our might, but with our principles. It shows we are stronger not when we are alone, but when we bring the world together” — President Barack Obama.The historic and monumental Iran nuclear talks finally concluded successfully on July 14, 2015. This is a highly significant factor, which lays the foundation in establishing President Obama’s legacy. Essentially, the Iran talks have led to an agreement in curbing its access to nuclear weapons and rigorous international inspections in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. A win-win situation, the agreement will provide Iran with much more sound economic growth, particularly by opening its doors to mass tourism. It will also provide the secure commitment that Iran will keep its nuclear weapons at bay, allowing for healthier and more deeply rooted diplomatic relations globally.For President Obama, this achievement is clearly a key aspect of foreign policy, which will surely attribute to his legacy when he leaves office in 2017. However, this deal comes with its share of obstacles from the Republican Party and the majority Republican Congress. It is fervently lobbying the idea of the ‘threats’ of allowing a ‘dangerous’ Islamic state to maintain any nuclear weaponry. Not surprisingly, the Republicans fail to recognise or respect what is a huge victory in terms of diplomatic negotiations. President Obama has clearly stated that he will veto any legislation passed by Congress, which opposes this deal.The Republican claims of dangers and threats are merely pretexts to deny and discredit the merits of the Obama administration and the Iranian government in what is actually a historic achievement in foreign policy negotiations. Opposition from Senator Chuck Schumer of New York has stirred more controversy surrounding the Iran deal even within the Democratic Party. However, supporters of the accord are convinced that even the Democrats’ opposition to it are not enough to bring it down.In order to successfully and quite permanently bring an end to it, opponents have two very significant obstacles. They will require 60 votes in the Senate for a resolution of disapproval. Even if that happens, President Obama reserves the right to veto this resolution. Overriding the veto would be another very complicated matter, requiring two-thirds of the lawmakers in both chambers in the US government.Mr Schumer’s voice is a powerful one but neither he alone nor the supporters of his reservations to the Iran deal from either party are sufficient enough to put a stop to it. The success of the Iran talks is occurring simultaneously with the easing of economic sanctions and reestablishment of diplomatic ties with Cuba after over 50 years of a Cold War, another hugely positive foreign policy achievement.As far as President Obama’s legacy goes, a successful deal that deters Iran from gaining nuclear weapons is an essential factor related to the Obama doctrine. Since President Obama began his presidency, the Obama doctrine has been primarily based on the principles that diplomacy with presumably enemy countries can be effective and achieved.The Iran deal is also notably significant because it reaches beyond how President Obama is remembered. It is an important factor that is related to how people in the US view themselves. Since the September 11, 2001 attacks, the US has had a sense of failure about its global standing diplomatically, that perhaps events have gone beyond its understanding and have spun out of control.A successful nuclear deal with Iran assures the US, knowing that along with its allies, it has just battled with a pariah state and emerged victorious. It is also a huge step towards assuring that the US plays a very monumental role in attempting to make the Middle East much more secure and stable.President Obama has made foreign policy much of his primary objective in his last two years in office. Successful and peaceful negotiations in foreign policy will certainly be key factors in cementing his legacy. Hopefully, they will be continued by the next administration along the same lines. This is a very essential step in maintaining global peace and security. The writer is an English and French professor and columnist residing in the USA and France. She can be reached at scballand@gmail.com